Overview
- The Manchester Originals name was retired after RPSG’s reported £80m purchase of a 70% stake, aligning the franchise with the global Super Giants network.
- India opener Smriti Mandhana joined as a direct signing for 2026, uniting with Meg Lanning and Sophie Ecclestone in a rebuilt women’s squad.
- A new leadership structure was confirmed with Tom Moody as global director of cricket, Matthew Mott to coach the women, and Justin Langer to lead the men.
- The rebrand follows a league-wide pattern of owner-driven renames, including Oval Invincibles becoming MI London and Northern Superchargers rebranding to Sunrisers Leeds.
- A launch video drew criticism after owner Sanjiv Goenka mispronounced Meg Lanning’s name, prompting a wave of negative reaction on social media.