MI expands to England: ‘Oval invincibles’ become ‘MI London’

Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), and Surrey County Cricket Club on Wednesday announced a landmark partnership in The Hundred’s Oval Invincibles franchise, marking one of the biggest cross-continent collaborations in franchise cricket.

Under the agreement, Reliance will hold a 49% stake, while Surrey CCC will retain 51% ownership in the team transitioning ownership from the England and Wales Cricket Board. Beginning 2026, both the men’s and women’s squads of Oval Invincibles will be rebranded as MI London, becoming the newest addition to the global Mumbai Indians (MI) family.

Oval Invincibles, the most successful side in the five-year history of The Hundred , have dominated the league with five consecutive titles two by the women’s team and three by the men’s side between 2023 and 2025. The franchise’s success has been driven by Surrey talent such as Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Will Jacks and Alice Capsey, supported by global stars including Marizanne Kapp, Rashid Khan and Adam Zampa.

The Hundred is a fast, 100-ball cricket league in England designed for quick and exciting gameplay. With the addition of MI London, the Mumbai Indians franchise network now expands to seven teams across five countries , MI Mumbai (IPL), MI Women (WPL), MI New York (MLC), MI Emirates (ILT20), MI Cape Town (SA20), and MI London in The Hundred , making it one of the largest global cricket ecosystems. Together, these teams have amassed 13 championship titles worldwide, underscoring MI’s dominance and its rapid growth in international franchise cricket.

RIL Director Mrs. Nita M. Ambani said the partnership would help carry the MI legacy to a global stage. “London holds a special place in the heart of cricket. Together with Surrey, we look forward to nurturing young talent, engaging diverse communities, and uniting fans through the joy of the game,” she said.

Mr. Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, said MI London would strengthen the group’s vision of growing cricket globally. “The Invincibles’ winning record and spirit of excellence perfectly embody the MI ethos of passion, resilience and teamwork,” he noted.

Surrey Chair Oli Slipper said Reliance’s global cricketing expertise would help enhance the franchise’s long-term potential. “They are passionate cricket people and together we will continue the success of our two teams,” he said. He added that the MI London identity would help expand the fanbase and commercial profile of the franchise.

Reliance Industries Ltd, India’s largest private sector company, reported consolidated revenue of ₹10.71 lakh crore and net profit of ₹81,309 crore in FY25. Ranked 88th on the 2025 Fortune Global 500 list, RIL continues to strengthen its footprint across energy, retail, digital services, entertainment and sports.

Surrey CCC, with a 180-year legacy and more than 30 domestic titles, is one of England’s most storied cricket institutions. Its home ground, The Kia Oval, has hosted over 100 men’s Test matches and 22 women’s Test matches the highest for any major international venue and is renowned as the birthplace of the Ashes series.

The newly named MI London will begin competing in The Hundred from the 2026 season.