The city of Manchester now has a new cricket team in The Hundred. On Thursday, officials unveiled the Manchester Super Giants as the franchise that will represent Manchester in the popular cricket competition. All home matches for the team will take place at the famous Emirates Old Trafford ground.
A New Era for Manchester Cricket
This announcement marks a major step forward for cricket in Manchester. The franchise enters an exciting new phase under the ownership of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, commonly known as RPSG Group, in partnership with Lancashire Cricket.
The owners have made a clear commitment to building a high-performance environment. They have established a strong cricket leadership structure for both the men's and women's teams right from the start.
Experienced Leadership Team Takes Charge
Tom Moody has received the appointment as Global Director of Cricket. He will have overall responsibility for cricket strategy and performance across all RPSG-owned teams. This includes Lucknow Super Giants, Durban's Super Giants, and now the Manchester Super Giants.
Moody brings more than twenty years of experience in elite cricket environments. He has served as a Head Coach, Director, and Mentor across international teams and major franchise competitions.
Moody will work closely with RPSG Chief Executive Vinay Chopra and Lancashire Cricket Director of Cricket Performance Mark Chilton. Together, they will oversee the cricket strategy for Manchester's newest sports team.
Star Coaches Join the Franchise
Justin Langer has been named as the new Men's Head Coach. He takes over from Simon Katich. Langer previously held Head Coach roles with London Spirit in The Hundred and Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash. He currently serves as the Head Coach of Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League.
Matthew Mott has been appointed as the new Women's Head Coach. He succeeds Michael Klinger. Mott brings an outstanding record in women's cricket to this role.
During his tenure as Head Coach of Australia Women, Mott oversaw an era of remarkable success. The team won ICC Women's Cricket World Cup victories and multiple ICC Women's T20 World Cup titles. They enjoyed extended periods of dominance across all formats.
Mott also served as England's white-ball Head Coach from 2022 to 2024. This period included victory at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia.
Owners Express Excitement and Vision
Dr Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman of the RPSG Group and Owner of the Manchester Super Giants, shared his thoughts. He said this represents an exciting and important phase for the group as they formally integrate the Manchester cricket franchise into the wider Super Giants family.
He emphasized that this marks the beginning of a new chapter. The foundation rests on ambition and a long-term vision for the game in the United Kingdom.
Dr Goenka highlighted some key player acquisitions for the men's team. They have secured two world-class batters and proven match-winners in Jos Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen. The team also features two outstanding spin options: Noor Ahmad, widely regarded as one of the most exciting young spinners in world cricket, and Liam Dawson, a highly accomplished and proven English spin bowler.
For the women's team, Dr Goenka noted they have brought together an exceptional blend of experience and excellence. The squad features some of the most accomplished players in the global game: Meg Lanning, Smriti Mandhana, and Sophie Ecclestone.
Connecting with Manchester's Sporting Legacy
Shashwat Goenka, vice-chairman of the RPSG Group and Owner of the Manchester Super Giants, also spoke about the launch. He described Manchester as a city with an extraordinary sporting legacy, recognized globally for its passion, pride, and love for the game.
Bringing the Super Giants brand to Manchester represents a moment of real significance for the group. He expressed excitement and privilege in associating with a city that truly understands sporting excellence.
Shashwat Goenka stated that as the Manchester Super Giants spread their wings, they begin a new chapter rooted in team spirit, passion, and a winning mindset. He emphasized that Super Giants is more than just a cricket team. It is an emotion that brings communities together and reflects the spirit of the city it represents.
A Clear Vision for Success
James Sheridan, Chair of Manchester Super Giants, outlined the team's intent. He said today's launch clearly sets out their goals. Manchester stands as one of the world's great sporting cities. Their vision involves creating a team that not only competes for titles but also stands for inclusivity and long-term success.
This vision combines global expertise with local pride. Their shared ambition represents a commitment to investing in people, performance, and purpose. They aim to create a franchise that fans can be truly proud of.
Sheridan expressed confidence in the franchise's foundations. With outstanding coaches, global stars, and the backing of the RPSG Group and Lancashire Cricket, he believes this franchise has all the elements required to succeed both on and off the field.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 2026 fixture list for The Hundred will be confirmed on January 27. Season Tickets will launch on the same date. The competition's first player auction will take place in March 2026, setting the stage for the Manchester Super Giants' debut season.
