Rod Bransgrove, the Hampshire chairman, has stepped down following the completion of GMR Group’s full acquisition of the county club and its assets. This marks the end of his nearly 25-year tenure during which he rescued the club from insolvency and oversaw its relocation to the Utilita Bowl. Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Chairman of GMR Sports, has assumed the role of group chair effective June 1, succeeding Bransgrove, who now holds the position of Honorary Life President and will serve as a director and advisor for the next three years.
Bransgrove, at 75, had given up the chairmanship in 2023 but continued as Group Chairman and majority shareholder until the GMR deal was finalized. GMR, known for co-owning Delhi Capitals in the IPL and WPL, initially entered Hampshire in 2024 and later valued the Hundred franchise Southern Brave at 98 million pounds in the ECB’s equity sale the following year. Grandhi praised Bransgrove’s leadership and vision, acknowledging his pivotal role in transforming Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl into premier sporting and leisure destinations.
Expressing gratitude for the collective effort that shaped Hampshire, Bransgrove emphasized the significant contributions of supporters, partners, and staff who shared a common vision. He expressed confidence in the club’s future under GMR’s ownership, stating that the transition marks an exciting new chapter. The GMR group, expanding its cricketing presence, also has interests in Dubai Capitals (ILT20) and Seattle Orcas (Major League Cricket), underscoring its commitment to long-term growth and innovation in the sport.
