The Hundred franchise Manchester Originals is set to undergo a major transformation, as it will be rebranded as Manchester Super Giants starting in 2026. This change comes after Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of Lucknow Super Giants and Durban Super Giants, acquired a stake worth 107 million GBP in the franchise earlier this year.
The decision to rebrand the franchise signifies a new era for Manchester Super Giants, as they move away from the black color of the Originals to the blue of the Super Giants. This shift is part of a larger effort by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to privatize The Hundred and attract external investment to enhance the competition.
Goenka’s acquisition of the Manchester-based franchise was a strategic move, as he successfully outbid two other unnamed IPL franchises to secure ownership of the Originals. In addition to his involvement in cricket, Goenka also owns Mohun Bagan FC, an Indian football team based in Kolkata.
The men’s squad of Manchester Originals boasts star players like Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Heinrich Klaasen, and recently added James Anderson to their roster. On the other hand, the women’s team features talents such as Sophie Ecclestone, Beth Mooney, Amelia Kerr, and Deandra Dottin. Both teams have shown promise, with the men’s team finishing as runners-up in 2022 and 2023.
The partnership between Manchester Originals and the RPSG Group, owned by Goenka, is aimed at elevating the standard of cricket in the region. Goenka expressed his commitment to developing a deep bond with the players, support team, and the community at large, emphasizing the potential to deliver high-quality cricket for generations to come.
James Sheridan, Chair of Manchester Originals, echoed this sentiment by highlighting the ambition to compete at a higher level inspired by the IPL. The goal is to provide fans with a unique and immersive experience, drawing inspiration from major sports leagues to elevate the match day and fan experience to new heights.
As Manchester Originals embarks on this journey of transformation, Lancashire Cricket Club, who are closely associated with the franchise, have yet to confirm the developments. The rebranding of the franchise to Manchester Super Giants signifies a new chapter in its history, with a renewed focus on excellence, competition, and fan engagement. Stay tuned for more updates as Manchester Super Giants prepare to make their mark in The Hundred and beyond.
Manchester Super Giants: A New Era in The Hundred
Manchester Originals, a prominent franchise in The Hundred, is gearing up for a significant transformation as it rebrands itself as Manchester Super Giants starting in 2026. This change comes on the heels of Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of Lucknow Super Giants and Durban Super Giants, acquiring a substantial stake in the franchise earlier this year, injecting fresh energy and resources into the team.
The decision to shift from the black color of the Originals to the vibrant blue of the Super Giants symbolizes a new beginning for the franchise. This strategic move aligns with the England and Wales Cricket Board’s efforts to bring in external investment and enhance the competitiveness of The Hundred, solidifying its status as a premier cricket tournament.
Sanjiv Goenka’s entry into the Manchester-based franchise was marked by a competitive bidding process where he outlasted two IPL franchises to secure ownership. Apart from his cricket ventures, Goenka also holds ownership of Mohun Bagan FC, a well-known football club in India, showcasing his diverse sports interests.
The men’s and women’s squads of Manchester Originals are stacked with talent, featuring marquee players like Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and James Anderson in the men’s team, and stars like Sophie Ecclestone, Beth Mooney, and Deandra Dottin in the women’s team. Their track record of success, including finishing as runners-up in previous seasons, sets the stage for an exciting future under the Manchester Super Giants banner.
The collaboration between Manchester Originals and the RPSG Group, under Goenka’s stewardship, aims to elevate the cricketing standards in the region. Goenka’s vision includes fostering strong connections with players, support staff, and the local community to ensure sustained growth and excellence in cricket for years to come.
James Sheridan, Chair of Manchester Originals, shares Goenka’s aspiration to emulate the success of the IPL and deliver a top-tier cricketing experience for fans. Drawing inspiration from leading sports leagues, the team is focused on enhancing match-day experiences and engaging fans in innovative ways to create a lasting impact.
While Lancashire Cricket Club, closely linked with the franchise, is yet to confirm the rebranding, the shift to Manchester Super Giants marks a pivotal moment in the team’s history. With a renewed emphasis on quality, competition, and fan interaction, the franchise is poised to make a lasting impression in The Hundred and beyond.
As Manchester Super Giants embarks on this transformative journey, the anticipation among fans and stakeholders is palpable. Stay tuned for more updates as the team prepares to make its mark in the cricketing landscape.
