Indian business tycoon Sanjiv Goenka was seen ringing the bell before The Hundred 2025 match between the Manchester Originals and Southern Brave at the Emirates Old Trafford on August 6, Thursday. It is worth knowing that the RPSG Group has purchased 70% of stake in the Manchester Originals, making them significant owners of the team.
Goenka, who owns the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Durban Super Giants in SA20, recently bought 70% of stake. Apart from that, Goenka also owns the Mohun Bagan Super Giants Football Club. The remaining 30% of the originals is owned by the Lancashire Cricket Club.
Addressing the acquisition, Goenka had said, as quoted by Lancashirecricket.co.uk:
"To me, cricket is about identifying, communicating and building a society which is not only cricket, but beyond cricket, which gives careers to people and opportunities to young people and unifying people with a common interest and a passion for the sport. Manchester Originals have done brilliantly as a team so far and they have done very well in terms of connecting with the youth and with their fans - that connection is something that I am looking forward to working with, developing and growing throughout this partnership. We look forward to working with the team at Lancashire Cricket on this."
Manchester Originals go down in a thrilling encounter by one wicket
Meanwhile, the Originals suffered a one-wicket defeat to Southern Brave to open their 2025 campaign. Phil Salt's whirlwind 60 had propelled the Originals to a promising total of 131 in 100 balls.
In response, only Leus du Plooy (25), Jason Roy (30) and Laurie Evans (13) managed to reach double-figures among Brave's top 5. It all came down to four runs needing off the final delivery and Reece Topley smacked it for a boundary.
