A cricket club could be taken over by an Indian club willing to fork out £120m.

Hampshire County Cricket Club may soon become the first county to be owned by an overseas franchise – the Delhi Capitals.

The deal would see Delhi Capitals' co-owners GMR Group also take ownership of the Utilita Bowl, the Hilton Hotel and adjacent golf course.

As reported in the Telegraph, GMR is ready to take full ownership of Hampshire along with a 51 per cent stake in Southern Brave.

There is also an option to complete a 100 per cent takeover of the Hundred franchise.

It is understood that the Delhi part-owners pipped rivals Lucknow Super Giants to the post with their bid.

READ MORE: West End residents gather outside Utilita Bowl in opposition to 171-home plans

The offer values Hampshire at £120m but this does include the £60m debt attached to the club.

Owner Rod Bransgrove, who pulled the club back from the brink of bankruptcy 24 years ago, is believed to be the reason for the high valuation.

Bransgrove has secured an impressive international fixture list paired with strong ticket sales for the club.

An Ashes Test match has been secured for the ground in 2027, while the Utilita Bowl will also host a Test match against India in 2029, another Test the following year and eight England white-ball matches between 2025 and 2031.

If GMR’s plans are given the go-ahead, Hampshire will be added to its monopoly of cricket clubs, including the 50 per cent of the Dubai Capitals in the United Arab Emirates’ ILT20 and Seattle Orcas in America’s Major League Cricket.

The purchase must be ratified by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

It is not yet known when a decision will be made.

Hampshire CCC declined to comment when approached by the Telegraph.