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Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai joins Silicon Valley leaders in a $97-million bid for The Hundred cricket teams Oval Invincibles or London Spirit.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai, a passionate cricket enthusiast, joins a growing list of Indian tech executives investing in the sport. (AP file photo)
Google CEO Sundar Pichai is joining a consortium of Silicon Valley executives bidding for a London-based cricket team in The Hundred, a short-format cricket league in England and Wales, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter.
The consortium is offering over £80 million ($97 million) for one of two teams: the Oval Invincibles or London Spirit, according to the Bloomberg report.
The bid is being spearheaded by Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks Inc., and Indian media mogul Satyan Gajwani, vice-chairman of Times Internet Ltd., the digital arm of the Times of India Group. The consortium also includes high-profile names such as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, and Egon Durban, co-CEO of private equity firm Silver Lake Management.
Pichai, a passionate cricket enthusiast, joins a growing list of Indian tech executives investing in the sport. While cricket originated in England, its financial powerhouse now lies in India. The success of the Indian Premier League boasts lucrative player contracts, large TV audiences, and significant sponsorships.
Indian tech leaders like Nadella and Narayen have already played a key role in promoting cricket in the US, where they’ve invested in Major League Cricket. In England, The Hundred is positioned as a modernised cricket format designed to attract younger fans and families. Launched in 2021, it features matches with just 100 balls per side and simpler rules, making it faster-paced and more accessible. Since its inception, the league has drawn over 2 million attendees across its eight venues in England and Wales.
To strengthen the league’s financial position, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) opened bidding in September, inviting private investors to acquire stakes in the eight teams participating in The Hundred. Managed by investment bank Raine Group, the auction has attracted global interest, including bids for London Spirit and Oval Invincibles. The ECB is offering its 49 per cent stake in each team, with the option for a full acquisition.
London Spirit is particularly appealing to investors due to its home ground at Lord’s, often referred to as the “home of cricket”. Together, the men’s and women’s Hundred competitions generate around £60 million annually for the ECB through broadcasting, sponsorships, and ticket sales.