How a Manchester Cricket Franchise Transformed From Local Originals Into The Super Giants
In short: The Manchester Super Giants represent a bold evolution in English cricket. Originally launched as the Manchester Originals for the inaugural 2021 season of The Hundred, the franchise recently underwent a major ownership shift and rebranding. Discover how this team moved from local roots to a new era of international investment.
The Manchester Super Giants, formerly known as the Manchester Originals, were established as a professional 100-ball cricket team representing Lancashire. When the England and Wales Cricket Board founded The Hundred competition, the team was confirmed in June 2019, choosing Old Trafford as its home ground. Early development was marked by strategic decisions, such as the appointment of coach Simon Katich in July 2019 and the selection of local icons like Jos Buttler, Kate Cross, and Sophie Ecclestone during the inaugural draft in October 2019.
The franchise's trajectory shifted significantly during the 2025 sale process. The England and Wales Cricket Board granted Lancashire County Cricket Club a 51% stake, which was subsequently restructured. Lancashire opted to sell 21% of their holding, while the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group acquired a 70% stake in the franchise. This transition, which saw the group take operational control on 1 October 2025, led to the rebranding of the team as the Manchester Super Giants ahead of the 2026 season.
The 2026 season proved to be a landmark year for the newly named Super Giants. Despite the mid-season departure of captain Aiden Markram, the men's side secured their inaugural title. Under the leadership of Jos Buttler, the team finished second in the table and defeated the Trent Rockets by five wickets in the final, bolstered by a 72-run performance from Tim Seifert. Simultaneously, the women's team achieved their best-ever finish, placing fourth in the competition. This success highlights the team's resilience and growth since its inception as a single-county representative.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Manchester Super Giants
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