The Sunrisers group, owned by the Sun Network from Chennai, has expanded its franchise portfolio by acquiring the Superchargers team from The Hundred for the highest bid. With this addition, the Sunrisers now own three teams: Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, Sunrisers Eastern Cape in SA20, and Northern Superchargers in England.
The Superchargers are the third franchise sold to an IPL-based franchise, following the Mumbai Indians, who hold a majority stake in the Oval Invincibles, and Lucknow Super Giants, who acquired the Manchester Originals.
The Sunrisers Group, which had kept a low profile in the bidding for other teams, emerged as the frontrunner for the Superchargers. Seizing the opportunity, they raised their maximum bid to GBP 100 million to secure the Yorkshire-based franchise, which has now become the first team in The Hundred to sell its entire stake.
The Sunrisers have enjoyed success across various tournaments, winning multiple trophies—one in the IPL in 2016 and two in SA20. They have also qualified for yet another final in SA20, aiming for a three-peat.
On the other hand, the Superchargers have struggled with inconsistency and have yet to win a trophy. With the change in ownership and management, there is hope that they may turn their fortunes around and contend for a title in the 100-ball competition.
The English Cricket Board has previously sold franchises such as London Spirit, Oval Invincibles, Welsh Fire, Manchester Originals, and Birmingham Phoenix. Currently, two more teams—Trent Rockets and Southern Brave—are up for sale.
