Who is the Owner of Delhi IPL 2025?

The owner of the Delhi Capitals franchise for the IPL 2025 season is a joint partnership between GMR Group and JSW Sports, who together operate the team under the entity JSW GMR Cricket Pvt Ltd. This co-ownership structure has been in place since 2018, when JSW Sports acquired a 50% stake in the franchise from GMR Group, which was the original owner since the league’s inception in 2008.

The Unique Ownership Model

What sets the Delhi Capitals apart from other IPL franchises is their rotational management agreement. In 2024, GMR Group and JSW Sports agreed to alternate the management of the cricketing operations for both the men’s and women’s teams every two years. For the 2025 and 2026 IPL seasons, GMR Group is responsible for managing the cricketing operations of the men’s team, while JSW Sports oversees the women’s team. In 2027, the roles will switch, with JSW Sports taking over the men’s team and GMR Group managing the women’s side.

Despite this rotation in cricket operations, business operations and strategic decisions remain collaborative, with both ownership groups’ senior leadership—Kiran Kumar Grandhi (GMR Group) and Parth Jindal (JSW Sports)—playing active roles in the franchise’s direction. Key decisions such as player auctions, captaincy, and retention are made by the Delhi Capitals board, ensuring that both ownership groups have a say in the team’s future.

Key Figures in Ownership

Kiran Kumar Grandhi: Chairman of GMR Group and co-owner of Delhi Capitals, he is a pivotal decision-maker, especially during GMR’s tenure in cricket operations.
Parth Jindal: Managing Director of JSW Cement and Director of JSW Sports, he represents JSW’s interests and is known for his hands-on approach to team management and strategy.

Impact of the Ownership Structure

This rotational management model has had a direct impact on the franchise’s cricketing decisions. For instance, the 2025 season saw significant changes in the coaching staff and player retention, including the high-profile departure of long-time captain Rishabh Pant, a move attributed to the shift in management from JSW to GMR. The new management brought in Venugopal Rao and Hemang Badani to lead the coaching setup, reflecting GMR’s vision for the team.

Despite these changes, the franchise has maintained a strong presence in the IPL, consistently assembling competitive squads and remaining a fan favorite in the league.

Franchise Background

GMR Group: An Indian infrastructure conglomerate, GMR was the original owner of the Delhi franchise, then called the Delhi Daredevils, purchasing the team for $84 million in 2008.
JSW Sports: Part of the JSW Group conglomerate, JSW Sports acquired a 50% stake in 2018 for ₹550 crore (about $65 million), bringing in a modern, data-driven approach to team management.
Home Ground: The team plays its home matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

The Road Ahead

As of IPL 2025, the Delhi Capitals are co-owned by GMR Group and JSW Sports, with GMR Group currently managing the cricketing operations for the men’s team as part of the rotational agreement. This innovative ownership model, blending legacy and modernity, continues to shape the franchise’s strategy as it aims for its first IPL title.

In Summary:

Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2025 owner: Jointly owned by GMR Group and JSW Sports, operating as JSW GMR Cricket Pvt Ltd.
Current cricket operations manager: GMR Group (2025-2026), with JSW Sports set to take over in 2027.
Key leaders: Kiran Kumar Grandhi (GMR) and Parth Jindal (JSW).

This dual-ownership and rotational management approach makes Delhi Capitals one of the most uniquely managed franchises in the IPL ecosystem.