Rod Bransgrove has stepped down as chairman of Hampshire Cricket following the full takeover by Indian group GMR. Bransgrove, who saved the club from extinction in 2000, will remain as Honorary Life President and a director for at least three more years.
The transition in leadership at Hampshire Cricket marks a significant moment for the club, with new owners GMR Group aiming to build on a legacy established by Rod Bransgrove, who is credited with saving and transforming the organisation.
Rod Bransgrove has stepped down as chairman of Hampshire Cricket, with the club's new owners, Indian group GMR, hailing his contributions. GMR, which also owns the Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Capitals, recently acquired the final shares in Hampshire Cricket as part of a £120 million buyout agreed in September 2024.
Bransgrove, a pharmaceuticals entrepreneur, is credited with saving Hampshire from extinction in 2000 by injecting £15 million of his own funds. Under his leadership, the club has achieved multiple white-ball titles and developed the Utilita Bowl into a premier venue.
"I would like to pay tribute to Rod for the extraordinary leadership and vision he has shown over the past quarter of a century," said Kiran Kumar Grandhi, the club's new chairman. He added that Bransgrove's stewardship transformed Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl into a world-class destination, fostering a culture of passion and resilience.
Bransgrove will remain involved with Hampshire, taking on the title of Honorary Life President and serving as a director for at least three more years. The 76-year-old expressed immense pride in the club's achievements and confidence in GMR's ownership.