Kiran Kumar Grandhi Assumes Group Chairman Role as Delhi Capitals Co-Owners Take Full Control of Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl

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Rod Bransgrove has officially ended his long-standing association with Hampshire Cricket following the completion of GMR Group’s full acquisition of the county club and its associated assets, including the iconic Utilita Bowl venue.

Bransgrove, widely credited with rescuing Hampshire from financial insolvency and transforming it into one of England’s leading cricket institutions, has stepped down from his final administrative position after nearly 25 years of leadership. During his tenure, he invested approximately £15 million into Hampshire Cricket and oversaw the club’s landmark move from Northlands Road in Southampton to the Utilita Bowl in 2000.

Although Bransgrove stepped down as Hampshire Chairman in 2023, he remained Group Chairman and majority shareholder of Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Limited after helping facilitate GMR Group’s initial investment in 2024. The Indian infrastructure giant, known globally as co-owner of Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has now completed its full takeover of the club.

The acquisition follows GMR Group’s growing influence in global cricket. In 2025, the company played a key role in the valuation of Hampshire-based Hundred franchise Southern Brave at £98 million during the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) equity sale process.

Effective June 1, 2026, Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Chairman of GMR Sports, has taken over as Group Chairman. Grandhi has been instrumental in GMR’s expansion into the sports industry, overseeing the ownership and management of Delhi Capitals, formerly known as Delhi Daredevils, in the IPL.

Despite stepping away from executive responsibilities, Bransgrove will continue to be associated with the club as Honorary Life President. He will also remain on the board as a director and advisor for the next three years, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.

Reflecting on his journey with Hampshire, Bransgrove described the moment as the conclusion of a deeply meaningful chapter. He expressed gratitude to supporters, partners, staff, and stakeholders who contributed to the club’s transformation and success over the years.

Bransgrove also voiced strong confidence in Hampshire’s future under GMR’s ownership, stating that the club and venue are positioned for continued growth and long-term success.

Paying tribute to his predecessor, Kiran Kumar Grandhi praised Bransgrove’s visionary leadership, highlighting his role in turning Hampshire Cricket and the Utilita Bowl into a world-class sporting and leisure destination. Grandhi emphasized the strong culture, community spirit, and resilience that Bransgrove helped establish during his tenure.

GMR Group continues to strengthen its global cricket portfolio beyond the IPL. In addition to its ownership stake in Delhi Capitals and participation in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), the company is actively involved with Dubai Capitals in the International League T20 (ILT20) and Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket (MLC).

The completion of Hampshire’s acquisition marks another significant milestone in GMR Group’s international cricket expansion strategy while bringing an end to one of the most influential leadership eras in Hampshire Cricket’s history.