Mumbai Indians acquire 49% stake in Oval Invincibles, expands global cricket footprint

Mumbai Indians (MI) owner Reliance Industries via its subsidiary RISE Worldwide has announced its successful bid to buy a 49% stake in London-based Oval Invincibles, a franchise in England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) 'The Hundred'. Reliance-led RISE will share ownership and decision-making with Surrey CCC, which is the primary stakeholder in the team.

"Just after lifting a league title in South Africa over the weekend, Mumbai Indians are proud to welcome the men’s team — reigning champions of The Hundred in 2023 and 2024 — and the women’s squad, winners of the inaugural 100-ball league in 2021 and champions again in 2022, to the One Family," a statement says.

Once the deal is closed, MI’s position as a cricketing powerhouse will cemented further, with seven cricket teams spanning four continents and five countries -- across both men’s and women’s cricket. The completion of the transaction, including the acquisition of a 49% shareholding in Oval Invincibles, is subject to customary diligence and documentation.

Nita M. Ambani says cricket is more than just a sport that unites people across geographies and cultures. "Welcoming Oval Invincibles into our Mumbai Indians family is a proud and special moment. With this partnership, we expand our MI fan base across India, New York, the UAE, South Africa, and now England – ushering in a new chapter of our global cricketing journey.”

England, with its rich cricketing culture, has always been special to the game, says RIL Director and Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani. "To have the iconic Oval, which has witnessed some of cricket’s greatest moments, as our home venue is truly special. We look forward to collaborating with like-minded partners, Surrey CCC, who share our passion and ethos for the sport," says Akash Ambani.

Oli Slipper, Chair of Surrey CCC says Reliance shares passion for cricket, and it owns the biggest and most successful team in the IPL, the Mumbai Indians. "We believe this partnership will bring continued success to both Surrey CCC and our Hundred team. Beyond cricket, the huge success of RIL’s global business will help Surrey to thrive off the field too." Surrey CCC is one of the most successful sides in English cricket, with more than 30 domestic trophies in the Club’s 180-year history.

Mumbai Indians currently has five T20 cricket teams across three continents in four countries. The franchise over the past 17 years has won 11 league titles, including five IPL championships, two Champions League victories, and the inaugural WPL and Major League Cricket titles in 2023, ILT20 in 2024 and SA20 in 2025.

The development comes soon after the RPSG Group last week won the bid to acquire a majority stake in The Hundred’s Manchester Originals, valuing the franchise at £107 million.

The Hundred is a short-form professional cricket league in the UK, organised by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), where each team faces 100 balls. The ECB is selling a 49% stake in each The Hundred franchise, while the host county can retain or sell all or a part of their 51% share. The bidding process, which began on January 30 with two teams auctioned daily, is nearing completion.

The tournament features eight city-based women’s and men’s teams that compete over five weeks every summer. This year’s league commences on August 5. Manchester Originals are scheduled to play their first match this year on August 6, against Southern Brave. This will be a Double Header fixture, where the women’s and men’s teams would play back-to-back matches against the same opponent. Manchester Originals is based at Old Trafford and represents Lancashire. The men’s team is reportedly led by Jos Buttler and includes Phil Salt and Jamie Overton.