Oval Invincibles change name to MI London after Hundred deal

Oval Invincibles change name to MI London after Hundred deal

Oval Invincibles, the most successful team in The Hundred, will be renamed MI London starting in 2026. This comes after Surrey and Reliance Industries finished long talks following the ECB’s sale of team shares earlier this year.

The new name connects the men’s and women’s sides with the wider Mumbai Indians family, which already includes teams like MI Cape Town (SA20), MI Emirates (ILT20), MI New York (Major League Cricket), and the Mumbai Indians women’s team (WPL).

Reliance bought a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles, valuing the team at £123 million – the second highest after London Spirit (£295 million). This was the last of eight franchise deals, finalising nearly five months after the first six were announced.

Surrey had been slow to give up the “Invincibles” identity, which was closely tied to the Kia Oval and had brought huge success:

- Five titles in five years of The Hundred.

- The women’s team won back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.

- The men’s team won their third straight title in 2025, beating Trent Rockets at Lord’s.

Surrey chairman Oli Slipper said the MI brand’s global success made the change worthwhile. The Mumbai Indians have won 13 trophies in 17 years, including five IPL titles. He added that the new name will help grow the fanbase worldwide and bring more investment into Surrey and local cricket.

Nita Ambani welcomed MI London into the “#OneFamily,” saying London is special in cricket history and the partnership will help nurture talent and unite fans. Akash Ambani added that the Invincibles’ winning spirit matches the MI ethos of passion and teamwork.

Overall, the eight franchise deals are worth over £975 million, with £500 million set to be invested in English and Welsh cricket. This includes £50 million for grassroots cricket and the rest for professional counties.

Vikram Banerjee, Managing Director of The Hundred, said completing all eight deals is a big step forward. He believes the new partners will help make the 2026 season the best yet, while also boosting cricket at every level in England and Wales.