Mark Nicholas reveals ‘soft’ interest from five IPL franchises to buy stakes in London Spirit of the Hundred

Mark Nicholas confirms IPL franchises' interest in the Hundred franchise.

Mark Nicholas reveals ‘soft’ interest from five IPL franchises to buy stakes in London Spirit of the Hundred

Mark Nicholas, Players in The Hundred (Images via ESPN)

Marylebone Cricket Club better known as MCC president, Mark Nicholas has confessed that five IPL franchises have shown ‘soft’ interest in buying stakes in London Spirit, a franchise in England’s iconic Hundred. As previously confirmed, Mark Nicholas who also plies his trade as a broadcaster and writer will be taking over the Spirits as chairman later in this year’s October.

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The revelation that Nicholas made was based on a recent letter that MCC CEO, Guy Lavender sent to the current members, seeking approval for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)’s offer of making a 49 percent stake in the private sectors.

What we are putting to a vote is to accept the ECB’s offer of a 51 per cent share of this franchise (Spirit). We will always be a members’ club. The first target is membership harmony because as a member you are entitled to a view.
Mark Nicholas on the announcement of the inaugural World Cricket Connects symposium.

Despite the message by Nicholas, it was not revealed that which franchises are intrigued by the prospect of having shares in the London Spirit. As per the reports, the stakeholders would be mapped out through an exhaustive bidding process. The remaining 51 percent will stay with the franchise.

A glimpse at the cricket career of Mark Nicholas

The rendezvous will witness the illustrious likes of Rahul Dravid, Brendon McCullum and Jay Shah in attendance. There will also be a host of franchise representatives from IPL teams being present. As things stand, Mark Nicholas also revealed that the process for bidding is still being worked upon.

Mark Nicholas
The Hundred poster, Image courtesy: X

The Hundred in 2024 will be starting from 23rd July and will be spanning to 18th August. It goes without saying that the introduction of Indian franchises in this tournament will simply be an enhancement to the already added sheen of the fray.

Nicholas formerly played for Hampshire where he went onto score over 18000 runs in county cricket. He was also prolific with the ball in his hands, claiming 173 wickets in all, establishing a solid reputation for himself in the world of cricket.

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