LONDON — In a landmark move that signals the growing global influence of Indian Premier League franchises, the five-time champions of The Hundred, Oval Invincibles, will be rebranded as MI London from the 2025 season onwards. This seismic shift follows a significant investment from Reliance Industries, the owners of the iconic Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise, marking the first direct ownership of a team in The Hundred by an IPL entity.
The deal, confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Reliance, sees the Mumbai Indians' parent company acquire a 50% stake in the London-based franchise. The existing Invincibles' ownership group, comprising Indian businesswoman Manika Batra and the Surrey County Cricket Club, will retain the remaining 50%. This partnership effectively dissolves the Oval Invincibles brand, replacing it with the globally recognised MI moniker and its distinctive blue and gold colours, creating a direct bridge between the IPL and English cricket's premier short-format competition.
A New Chapter for London Cricket
The transformation of the Oval Invincibles into MI London represents more than just a name change; it is a strategic infusion of capital, expertise, and global fan engagement. The Invincibles, women's champions in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and men's champions in 2023, have been the most successful team in The Hundred's short history. This new investment aims to build on that legacy while leveraging the Mumbai Indians' proven blueprint for success in franchise cricket. Nita Ambani, Founder & Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, stated, "We are thrilled to welcome MI London to the Mumbai Indians global family. Cricket is a passion shared by millions across the world, and we are committed to strengthening its ecosystem everywhere."
The move is part of a broader strategic overhaul of The Hundred's ownership model, designed to attract private investment and ensure the competition's long-term financial sustainability. The ECB has been actively seeking to transition from its original model of hosting rights held by the first-class counties to a system involving private equity. This deal with Reliance is the first major fruit of that endeavour. Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive, commented, "This is a historic moment for The Hundred. It underlines the appeal of the competition and the potential for growth."
The MI Global Empire Expands
MI London becomes the fifth team in the expanding Mumbai Indians global portfolio, joining the flagship IPL side, MI Cape Town in SA20, MI Emirates in the ILT20, and MI New York in Major League Cricket. This creates a truly interconnected global cricket franchise, with potential for player sharing, coaching synergies, and unified commercial strategies. The acquisition demonstrates Reliance's long-term vision to build a world-leading sports brand centred around cricket.
Key aspects of the Mumbai Indians' approach expected to influence MI London include:
- High-Performance Systems: Leveraging the MI's extensive scouting network and data analytics to identify and develop talent specifically for the 100-ball format.
- Brand Power & Commercial Clout: Tapping into the massive MI fanbase, estimated in the tens of millions globally, to drive merchandise sales and digital engagement for the London team.
- Coaching & Leadership: Potential sharing of expertise from the MI support staff, known for their meticulous preparation and man-management.
Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, emphasised the strategic fit, saying, "The Hundred is a dynamic and innovative tournament. We see immense potential in London as a cricketing hub and are excited to contribute to the sport's growth in the UK." The ambition is clear: to replicate the Mumbai Indians' culture of winning while establishing a deep-rooted connection with London's diverse sporting community.
Reactions and Implications
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from the cricket community. Purists and local fans of the Invincibles have expressed nostalgia for the loss of a distinct London identity, born from the historic Oval ground. However, many recognise the necessity of private investment for the health of the English game. Surrey CCC, as the anchor county, will continue to manage the cricket operations and the use of the Kia Oval, ensuring a link to the team's roots.
From a player perspective, the change could be highly attractive. The MI brand is associated with top-tier remuneration, excellent facilities, and a high-profile platform. It may become a magnet for the world's best T20 talent, further elevating the standard of The Hundred. The women's team, in particular, could benefit from the association with an organisation that has been a pioneer in promoting and investing in women's cricket within the IPL ecosystem through the Mumbai Indians women's side.
The deal also has significant implications for the other seven teams in The Hundred. It sets a new benchmark for valuation and establishes a formidable competitor backed by one of the wealthiest and most experienced sports ownership groups in world cricket. Other franchises may now accelerate their own searches for similar strategic partners to keep pace.
The Broader Landscape of The Hundred
This transaction is not happening in isolation. It coincides with the ECB's ongoing process to sell stakes in all eight Hundred teams. The MI London deal is likely the first domino to fall, with other IPL franchises and international investors reportedly in advanced talks for the remaining teams. This could lead to a complete transformation of the competition's ownership structure by the 2025 season, aligning it more closely with other global franchise leagues.
The challenge for the ECB and the new owners will be to balance global commercial appeal with local fan engagement. While the MI brand brings international recognition, maintaining a unique connection to the home city and its cricket history will be crucial for matchday atmosphere and long-term loyalty. The success of this model will be closely watched by cricket administrators worldwide.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
As the 2024 season of The Hundred approaches, it will be the final hurrah for the Oval Invincibles name. Come 2025, the Kia Oval will be bathed in MI blue. The expectations will be immense from the outset—not just to win, but to do so with the style and efficiency characteristic of the Mumbai Indians brand. The integration of philosophies, the potential for iconic player signings, and the marketing push will be among the most fascinating stories in cricket over the next 18 months.
In conclusion, the creation of MI London is a watershed moment for English cricket. It validates The Hundred's commercial potential on the world stage and opens a new channel for investment and expertise. While it marks the end of one successful chapter, it boldly begins another, promising to bring a slice of the IPL's glamour, intensity, and business acumen to the heart of London. As Nita Ambani concluded, "Together, we will strive to make MI London a team that embodies the spirit of Mumbai Indians—fearless, passionate, and forever champions at heart." The eyes of the cricketing world will now be on whether this ambitious fusion can conquer a new frontier.