Oval Invincibles Archives

Oval Invincibles renamed MI London in latest Hundred franchise deal

Oval Invincibles, the most successful franchise in The Hundred, will be re-branded as MI London from 2026 after a deal between the franchise and the owners of the Mumbai Indians.

Surrey, who host the Invincibles matches at their Oval stadium, will retain a 51 per cent share in the team, while Reliance Industries Limited now hold the remaining 49 per cent.

Both the men’s and women’s teams will be renamed as MI London in the Hundred next year.

The Invincibles have won five titles in five years across both men’s and women’s tournaments and are the latest team to become part of the Mumbai Indians name.

“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with the Reliance team over our partnership in the Hundred franchise team,” Surrey chairman Oli Slipper said.

“Reliance bring a significant depth of cricket and business expertise and have had great success with their franchise teams in India and around the world. There’s no doubt that they are here to win.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Mumbai Indians are the joint most successful men’s team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after winning the title five times.

Reliance, who also have MI franchises in New York, Cape Town and Abu Dhabi, are reported to have paid around £60 million ($80 million) for their share in the Invincibles.

“We are delighted to welcome MI London into the family and take the MI legacy to new frontiers,” Reliance founder Nita Ambani said.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also confirmed on Wednesday that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly’s Cain & Ares Management Credit group finalised their investment in Trent Rockets in October.

Deals involving all eight Hundred sides have now been completed after stakes in the other six franchises were sold in July.

READ: Rizwan ‘excited’ to make mark in maiden BBL appearance

MI London likely new name for Oval Invincibles in The Hundred: report

The top-performing franchise in The Hundred, Oval Invincibles, is likely to be rebranded as MI London, according to a report in The Telegraph.

According to the report, the name change, which is set to take place in 2026, is backed by Indian co-owners who hold a 49 percent stake in the team.

With this name change, the franchise will align with the rest of the Ambani family’s Mumbai Indians.

In 2026, The Hundred will undergo numerous changes with a new ownership model formally taking over the tournament.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

As per the report, Surrey County Cricket Club, which partnered with Ambani’s in a deal valued at £123 million, is hoping that the new name will include ‘Surrey’ to reflect the county honour; however, reports suggest it is unlikely to happen.

Moreover, the Oval Invincibles rebranding will result in two teams with ‘London’ in The Hundred: MI London, based at the Oval, and London Spirit, based at Lord’s.

Following the adoption of the new model, other teams in the competition are undergoing rebranding.

The Manchester Originals are expected to be renamed Manchester Super Giants, whereas Northern Superchargers are likely to include ‘Sunrisers’ in their name, with Sunrisers Leeds being considered.

It is worth mentioning that Invincibles are the sixth cricket franchise worldwide under RIL’s management.

The group already owns the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League, MI Emirates in the UAE’s ILT20, MI Cape Town in South Africa’s SA20, and MI New York in Major League Cricket in the United States.

READ: Faisal Akram holds nerves as Pakistan Shaheens clinch last-ball thriller against Nepal

Oval Invincibles pick Mohammad Hasnain for The Hundred 2022

LONDON: The Hundred’s franchise Oval Invincibles have selected Pakistan’s right-arm pacer, Mohammad Hasnain as the Overseas Wildcard pick for the upcoming second edition.

Hasnain, who was reported for an illegal bowling action during his brief stint for the Sydney Thunders in this year’s Big Bash League (BBL), has been picked by The Hundred’s franchise Oval Invincibles after clearing his bowling action today.

The young pacer’s bowling was declared legal by Cricket Australia (CA)’s independent experts today as the former underwent remodelling of his action at ICC’s accredited centre in Lahore.

Following this, Hasnain is set to be in action again as the right-arm pacer will represent Oval Invincibles in The Hundred 2022.

“I’m overjoyed. The Hundred looked like great fun last year and I can’t wait to get involved. The opportunity to play alongside stars like Sunil Narine, Jason Roy and the Curran brothers is hugely exciting,” Hasnain stated.

Apart from the Pakistani pacer, Welsh Fire and Birmingham Pheonix have selected big names such as Imran Tahir and Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad in their wildcard picks.

READ: ‘Don’t worry Hasan, we are behind you’ Wasim supports struggling pacer