By Tim Douglas 
Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) has officially confirmed that Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG Group is set to acquire a 70% stake in Manchester Originals, marking a significant investment in English franchise cricket. The announcement follows a successful bid in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) recent team auction, which will see one of the IPL’s most influential ownership groups expand its global footprint.
The RPSG Group, which already owns Lucknow SuperGiants in the IPL and Durban’s SuperGiants in SA20, is entering an exclusivity period as part of the acquisition process. The remaining 30% ownership will continue to be held by Lancashire Cricket, ensuring that the club retains a significant role in the team’s future direction.
A Global Vision for Manchester Originals
This acquisition aligns Manchester Originals with one of the most powerful cricketing franchises globally, allowing the team to leverage RPSG’s expertise, resources, and commitment to excellence. According to LCCC, this partnership will position Manchester Originals as a key sporting entity in Manchester, a city already renowned for its rich sporting culture, including two of the world’s most famous football clubs.
Beyond ownership, the collaboration between Lancashire Cricket and RPSG will see best practices shared across multiple teams, including Lancashire Men, Lancashire Women, Lucknow SuperGiants, and Durban’s SuperGiants. This strategic alliance aims to create an elite environment for players, coaches, and staff, fostering both on-field success and off-field growth.
Strengthening Cricket Infrastructure in Manchester
One of the key benefits of this investment is the financial boost it provides to Lancashire Cricket. The club has confirmed that a portion of the funds will be allocated to infrastructure projects, particularly at Old Trafford, enhancing the matchday experience for fans and members.
Speaking on the partnership, Shashwat Goenka, Vice-Chairman of the RPSG Group, expressed excitement about the opportunity to contribute to Manchester Originals’ growth:
“We respect the legacy of Lancashire Cricket and we welcome Manchester Originals to our RPSG family. We are committed to developing a deep bond with the players, support team, and the whole community at large. We believe in excellence and see a huge potential to deliver high-quality cricket for generations to come.”
“This partnership provides us with an exciting platform to create a unique experience for cricket fans. Alongside Lancashire Cricket, we aim to elevate Manchester Originals into one of the most competitive and well-supported teams in The Hundred.”
What’s Next? Final Approvals & Future Plans
While the deal has been successfully negotiated, it remains subject to due diligence and final legal approvals. A formal announcement regarding the finalization of the acquisition will be made in the coming weeks.
With RPSG Group’s proven track record in global franchise cricket, Manchester Originals is expected to enter a new phase of growth, potentially attracting top international talent and greater fan engagement.
This move also signifies the growing international investment in English cricket, reinforcing The Hundred’s appeal as a major franchise competition on the global stage.
Zainab Shafiq