Bransgrove, 75, relinquished the chairmanship in 2023 but remained Group Chairman and majority shareholder of the club until the GMR deal was completed. GMR, co\u2011owners of Delhi Capitals in the IPL and WPL, had first entered Hampshire in 2024, before valuing the Hundred franchise Southern Brave at 98 million pounds in the ECB\u2019s equity sale the following year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Chairman of GMR Sports, has now taken over as group chair effective June 1, while Bransgrove has been appointed as Honorary Life President and will remain on the board as a director and advisor for the next three years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis moment brings to a close a chapter that has meant more to me than words can express. What we have built at Hampshire has been a collective effort, driven by incredible people, loyal supporters, and partners who believed in a shared vision.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI am overwhelmingly grateful to all those people who have shared this ground-breaking experience with me. I have immense pride in what we have achieved here and unequivocal confidence that, under GMR\u2019s full ownership, the club and venue are in the safest of hands. The future is incredibly exciting, and I will be watching closely,\u201d said Bransgrove in a Hampshire statement on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Apart from the IPL and WPL, the GMR group has expanded its cricketing footprint in recent years, with direct involvement in Dubai Capitals (ILT20) and Seattle Orcas (Major League Cricket). Grandhi also paid tribute to Bransgrove\u2019s \u2018extraordinary leadership and vision.\u2019<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI would like to pay tribute to Rod for the extraordinary leadership and vision he has shown over the past quarter of a century. His stewardship has not only transformed Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl into a world-class sporting and leisure destination but has also fostered a culture built on passion, resilience, and community that is truly special.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Apart from the IPL and WPL, the GMR group has expanded its cricketing footprint in recent years, with direct involvement in Dubai Capitals (ILT20) and Seattle Orcas (Major League Cricket). Grandhi also paid tribute to Bransgrove\u2019s \u2018extraordinary leadership and vision.\u2019<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are excited to build on the remarkable legacy that has been established here, investing in long-term growth and innovation, and ensuring that the club continues to thrive for the benefit of its members, supporters, and the wider community for generations to come,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n