Lancashire Cricket and RPSG Group announce agreement to acquire Manchester Originals
Lancashire Cricket and the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG Group) are delighted to announce the formal completion of the transaction to acquire Manchester Originals. Under the terms of the agreement, the RPSG Group have acquired a 70% stake in the team, while the remaining 30% is acquired by Lancashire Cricket.
This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Manchester Originals, based at the iconic Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester, the UK’s Sporting Capital. The partnership will bring together Lancashire Cricket’s historic legacy - and deep local roots - with the global expertise and investment strength of the RPSG Group. RPSG currently operates Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Durban Super Giants in the South Africa T20 (SA20) competition and Mohun Bagan Super Giants Football Club.
The acquisition aligns with the shared ambition of both parties to elevate Manchester Originals into one of the leading teams in The Hundred, both on and off the field, and to join Manchester United and Manchester City as global sports clubs based in the city. The partnership will focus on developing winning cricket teams, creating an elite cricket environment, nurturing local talent, enhancing fan engagement, and delivering world-class matchday experiences.
RPSG and Lancashire Cricket have worked uniquely to develop a collaborative joint venture framework to further their sporting ambitions together. The investment will also provide Lancashire Cricket with additional funds which it will look to invest in cricket infrastructure projects at Emirates Old Trafford and Farington, the Club’s second ground which will open in 2026, and to enhance the fan and member experience.
Chair of Lancashire Cricket, Andy Anson said: “We are thrilled to officially welcome the RPSG Group as our partner in Manchester Originals. This investment is crucial to the long-term future of Lancashire Cricket.
“The ECB’s ambitious and innovative approach to securing investment into the Hundred will protect county cricket in the UK for generations to come and I would like to place on the record our sincere thanks to Richard Thompson, Richard Gould and their team at the ECB.
“RPSG share our deep passion for cricket and already own two successful teams in India and South Africa. Our aim was to partner with an IPL team and RPSG were our preferred choice from the outset. This further cements Lancashire Cricket’s and the City of Manchester’s long-term strategy to develop and deepen links and ties into the world’s largest cricket market.
“Beyond the game itself, the remarkable achievements and growth of the RPSG Group’s global businesses will only help and support Lancashire Cricket’s aspirations on and off the field, alongside Manchester Originals. We look forward to working with Dr. Sanjiv Goenka and his team as our new partners and look forward to working closely with them over the coming years.”
James Sheridan, Chair of Manchester Originals, said: “We are delighted to see this landmark agreement between Lancashire Cricket and the RPSG Group come to fruition. This partnership marks a significant moment not only for Lancashire Cricket, but also for the Manchester Originals family and the growth of the game across our region.
“At Manchester Originals, we are committed to driving innovation and excellence both on and off the field, and we firmly believe this collaboration will open new opportunities to elevate the sport, further drive our fierce commitment to gender equity, deepen our engagement with diverse audiences and strengthen our shared vision for cricket in Manchester and beyond. We look forward to an exciting future ahead as we embark on this new chapter with our Super Giants colleagues.
“Following the recent announcement of a new UK and India trade deal, we are delighted to have closed this historic inward investment deal with RPSG, a global Indian conglomerate, into a Manchester-based sports venture valued at over £100m. RPSG shares the Originals’ aspiration to become a major part of the sporting landscape in Manchester, one of the world’s leading sports cities.”
Dr Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman of the RPSG Group, added: “To me, cricket is about identifying, communicating and building a society which is not only cricket, but beyond cricket, which gives careers to people and opportunities to young people and unifying people with a common interest and a passion for the sport.
“Manchester Originals have done brilliantly as a team so far and they have done very well in terms of connecting with the youth and with their fans - that connection is something that I am looking forward to working with, developing and growing throughout this partnership. We look forward to working with the team at Lancashire Cricket on this.”
Lancashire and Manchester Originals wicket keeper batter, Phil Salt, commented: "I have loved playing for Manchester Originals over the last four seasons, and we've created a special culture amongst all the players and staff in Manchester. The investment by RPSG group is really exciting and will be a big boost for our team, our fans and everyone at Emirates Old Trafford. Hopefully 2025 can be a successful season on and off the field.”
The Club would like to thank Hill Dickinson and Khaitan & Co who have acted as respective legal advisors to the two shareholders involved.