London Spirit crumble on opening night as new owners watch on
London Spirit's women lit up The Hundred opener with a thrilling win, while new investors, including Akash Ambani and the Tech Titans, signaled a bold new era for English cricket.
It was a night that was meant to herald a bold new chapter in English cricket. With six of The Hundred’s eight franchises now privately owned, the stage was set for the competition’s glitzy relaunch. But while the investors dazzled in the stands, London Spirit's men faltered under the lights at Lord’s.
Among those watching were the “Tech Titans” – a consortium of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs who had recently secured ownership of the Spirit in a record-breaking £295 million deal. Their arrival marks a new era at the Home of Cricket, one where venture capital meets tradition. The group was seen enjoying the facilities at Lord’s, even dining in the Pavilion the night before. Operational control of the franchise formally began on October 1, but their presence was already being felt.
Unfortunately, Spirit’s men did little to match the fanfare. Bowled out for a meagre 80 on a sluggish pitch, the side failed to provide any spark. A lineup dominated by players over 30 struggled to adapt, managing just nine boundaries in 94 balls. “It wasn’t a shocking pitch,” admitted Liam Dawson, “we just didn’t adjust quickly enough.”
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In stark contrast, the women’s match offered the fireworks that the occasion demanded. Grace Harris’ explosive 89* outshone Meg Lanning’s stylish 85 as Spirit successfully defended 176, with over 15,000 fans in attendance by the second innings. It was a reminder that, despite the corporate reshuffling, the competition still has the power to thrill.
Meanwhile, Akash Ambani – chairman of Reliance Jio – continued discussions for a deal involving the Oval Invincibles, attending both the Test at The Oval and the Hundred opener. Rashid Khan, a key part of Invincibles’ plans, noted his link with the Mumbai Indians franchise had helped pave the way for his move.
For now, the fifth season of The Hundred feels like a bridge year – a transitional phase ahead of what’s expected to be a transformative sixth edition. The investments are locked in. What remains uncertain is how much will change once the new owners take full control.
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