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In February 2025, the Sun Group, led by Kavya Maran, secured a 100% stake in the Northern Superchargers for a reported £100 million (approximately ₹1,161 crore), making it the first Hundred franchise to be fully owned by an Indian Group. This landmark deal, which saw the Sun Group acquire both the Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s 51% stake and the ECB’s 49% share, positions Kavya Maran, the 33-year-old CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, as a pioneer in the sport’s global franchise landscape.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the Sun Group assumes operational control of the franchise on October 1, 2025, which explains the Amir and Imad recruitment in the current season. Or it can be a new tactic of the new owner, Maran’s experience with SRH, coupled with strategic signings like Amir and Wasim, signals a competitive approach.
In the past few years, Kavya Maran has turned the SRH into one of the competitive IPL franchises and a back-to-back success with Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20, a South African T20 league. The acquisition, which includes Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s 51% stake and the ECB’s 49%, provides Yorkshire with £40 million to address financial debts.
Kavya Maran’s involvement in the Northern Superchargers is more than a financial investment; it represents a strategic push to elevate the team’s performance and global profile. The franchise, which has yet to claim a Hundred title, boasts a talented roster, including men’s captain Harry Brook, who also played for SRH in the IPL 2024 season, and stars like Adil Rashid and Adam Lyth.
The signings come after a draft in March 2025 that saw no Pakistani men’s players selected, raising eyebrows and sparking speculation about potential restrictions due to the new Indian ownership of several of the Hundred franchises. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had earlier assured fans that franchise ownership changes would not impact player eligibility, a promise now reinforced by these high-profile acquisitions.
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The inclusion of Amir and Wasim, both seasoned T20 specialists, is expected to strengthen the Superchargers’ bowling and all-round capabilities, adding depth and experience to a squad already featuring prominent names like Harry Brook and Ben Stokes.
Amir, a former Pakistan international, is renowned for his swing bowling and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. His experience in global T20 leagues, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Quetta Gladiators, and his role in Pakistan’s 2009 ICC World Twenty20 and 2017 ICC Champions Trophy triumphs, make him a valuable addition.
Imad Wasim, known for his crafty left-arm spin and explosive batting, brings versatility to the squad. A T20 specialist who has played for franchises worldwide, including the Karachi Kings and Trent Rockets in previous Hundred seasons, Wasim’s all-round skills are expected to complement the team’s dynamic lineup. Both Imad and Amir were part of Pakistan’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad, showcasing their continued relevance in International cricket.
The Northern Superchargers’ squad is further enhanced by the presence of Ben Stokes, who, while not playing due to a shoulder injury sustained during England’s Test series against India, will serve in an informal mentoring role. Stokes, alongside head coach Andrew Flintoff and captain Harry Brook, is expected to create a star-studded environment in the Superchargers’ camp.
The Northern Superchargers has yet to claim their maiden The Hundred title in either the men’s or women’s competition, with both sides finishing fourth in the 2024 season. The addition of Amir and Wasim, combined with the guidance of Stokes and Flintoff, positions the Superchargers as serious contenders for the 2025 campaign.
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