Seattle Orcas co-owner S. Somasegar says the chance to invest in a franchise in The Hundred was a “special” opportunity which could not be missed.

The Orcas, who play in USA’s Major League Cricket, have acquired a minority stake in Southern Brave as part of a strategic partnership with GMR Group finalised earlier this year.

Indian multinational conglomerate GMR bought Hampshire, a host county in The Hundred, for £120m in 2024, and paid £98m for the remaining 49% stake in Brave last year.

The Orcas would not disclose the size of the stake in Brave, but a source close to the deal said it was in the region of 7-10%.

“England is historically the home of cricket so there is a genuine emotional interest,” Somasegar told BBC Sport.

“The England and Wales Cricket Board have also really made cricket a thing for families – and especially women – through The Hundred so it was a no-brainer for us to want to be involved.

“Almost from day one when the sale process for privatising the Hundred franchises, that’s when we started the conversation with GMR.

“So to be part of this is a special thing, a special feeling.”