CSK withdraw from The Hundred, four IPL franchises still in race

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have decided to withdraw from the competition in order to obtain a franchise in the Hundred, according to the most recent events surrounding the event. This means that in terms of the bidding process, the Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants are still in the running.

The decision was confirmed in a recent statement by Kasi Viswanathan, the CEO of CSK.

The paperwork surrounding the decision have also been completed and properly informed to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Viswanathan added.

Viswanathan said, “We’ve withdrawn, and we have formally informed the England and Wales Cricket Board about it,” according to a Monday video.

Every participating franchise in the 100-ball competition is expected to submit financial bids to the ECB as the week goes on. A procedure is being planned so that, in the event that an interested party is unable to acquire a team, it may still be eligible to own one of the remaining teams, according to the same report. The eight teams that are for sale are the following: London Spirit, Manchester Originals, Belfast Phoenix, Northern Superchargers, Oval Invincibles, Southern Brave, Trent Rockets, and Welsh Fire.

According to the same article, Sanjiv Goenka of the Lucknow Super Giants, the Reliance Group (owner of the Mumbai Indians), and a group of tech entrepreneurs have formed a consortium. The fact that they are the favorites to win London Spirit and Oval Invincibles is well known.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s owner, Sun Group, is vying for either the Trent Rockets or the Northern Superchargers. The former Premier League team, Birmingham City, is reportedly considering acquiring Birmingham Phoenix.

The owner of the Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket, Sanjay Govil, may purchase the Trent Rockets and Welsh Fire. The owners of Manchester United, one of the Premier League’s most recognizable teams, the Glazers, might be vying for a franchise in the meantime.

The last round of negotiations and bidding is expected to begin on Friday, January 31. But according to information obtained, the new owners won’t be involved until the 2026 season. It will take several months to finish the paperwork and other legalities, which is the reason behind this.