Mumbai Indians’ takeover reshapes MI London and Surrey’s identity

Mumbai Indians’ takeover of MI London and Surrey has brought a mix of change and continuity, as the franchise continues to evolve while maintaining its core identity. The rebranding, which saw the team shift from Oval Invincibles to MI London, has introduced new branding elements, including the blue and gold colors of Mumbai Indians, while retaining some of the original Invincibles’ training kit. This blend of old and new reflects the delicate balance between tradition and expansion. The move, part of a broader strategy to globalize The Hundred, has also opened new opportunities for players and coaches, particularly in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where MI London has integrated experienced figures like Lisa Keightley and Johann Myburgh. The partnership with Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, has brought significant investment and global reach, but the club remains committed to its local roots and long-term vision.

Rebranding and Identity

The rebranding of MI London has been a gradual process, with players and staff adapting to the new identity while maintaining a strong connection to the club’s history. “The kit’s changed obviously and it incorporates the blue and gold of MI but the training kit still has the Invincibles colours, so it is kind of a mix of the two,” said Will Jacks, an England all-rounder who has played for both MI and Surrey. The transition has been smooth for many, with players like Jacks noting that the core of the team remains unchanged. “It felt like a very smooth transition for me, having a foot in both camps,” he said. The coaching staff has also seen some changes, with Kieron Pollard replacing Tom Moody as head coach, while key figures like Gareth Batty and Jim Troughton continue to play a prominent role. The women’s side has also seen a similar blend of new and established talent, with Lisa Keightley leading the charge after her successful stint with MI in the WPL.

Global Reach and Strategic Shifts

The partnership with Mumbai Indians has brought a new level of global expertise and commercial reach to MI London. “MI have got teams around the world and business around the world, so that’s something we’ve learned from them,” said Steve Elworthy, Surrey’s chief executive. The Hundred, once a local competition, is now becoming a global brand, with MI London at the forefront. This shift has also meant that the club is looking to take greater control of its operations, planning to bring more services in-house from 2027. “We want to control and run all the facets of the team – the delivery of the game, the global expansion and building the brand itself,” Elworthy said. The club’s ambition remains focused on winning, with MI London having already secured five titles in as many years. The men’s team, currently second in the table after five matches, is on track to continue its dominance, while the women’s side is also showing strong signs of growth and development.

For players, the partnership has also opened new opportunities, particularly in the WPL, where they can gain exposure to a wider network of teams and coaches. “That experience, you can’t buy that,” said Lisa Keightley, who has coached MI in the WPL and now leads the women’s team. “If you’re a MI London player, there’s definitely an opportunity to be involved in WPL. Because you build the relationship, you know what a player can do and they know the environment that they’re going into.” The club’s future also includes expanding its reach beyond cricket, with plans to build a stronger global brand and engage with fans worldwide. As the season progresses, the focus remains on winning, with MI London continuing to be one of the most successful franchises in The Hundred.

MI London’s identity remains rooted in its history, even as it embraces new branding and global ambitions.
The partnership with Mumbai Indians has brought new expertise and commercial reach, but the club remains committed to its local roots.