The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, owner of teams such as Lucknow Super Giants and Durban Super Giants, has acquired the Manchester Originals and renamed the franchise as Manchester Super Giants. Goenka was criticized by Meg Lanning fans for alleged unprofessional behavior at the team’s launch event.
The Super Giants Group has signed two of the biggest names in women’s cricket – Smriti Mandhana and Meg Lanning, along with England spinner Sophie Ecclestone. On the men’s side, the group also made big choices by retaining attacking stars Jos Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen, along with other key players.
Manchester Super Giants sign players for men’s and women’s teams
Sanjiv Goenka said the Manchester Super Giants were focusing on building a match-winning men’s team. The team signed Jos Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen, along with spinners Noor Ahmad and Liam Dawson, given the conditions at their home venue.
“We have made good signings for the men’s team, two world-class batters and proven match winners, Jos Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen. The pitch at Old Trafford is traditionally slow and that is why we have selected two spinners, Noor Ahmad, who is arguably among the best spin bowlers in the world, and Liam Dawson, a proven English slow bowler,” Goenka said.
Sanjiv Goenka is facing accusations of unprofessionalism from Meg Lanning fans
Sanjiv Goenka came under fire at the Manchester Super Giants launch after fans accused him of unprofessional behaviour. He mispronounced the names of female players, including Meg Lanning’s name.
Fans expressed anger that the error had not been corrected or removed, calling it disrespectful given Lanning’s status as a seven-time World Cup winner.
“For the women’s team, it’s a mix of experience and youth. Sophie Ecclestone from England is a quality spinner. Meg Canning, someone who has been part of seven World Cup campaigns with several victories. Smriti Mandhana from India, our own Smriti Mandhana, is another proven match winner.”
“Tom Moody will serve as director of cricket, another proven success story. Justin Langer has been appointed head coach of the men’s franchise, while Matthew Mott will coach the women’s franchise, with both having an enviable track record.”
It’s one thing not to know the players. But getting their name wrong is another level of unprofessionalism.
The fact that it was left as it is in the video and no one noticed/corrected it makes it so disrespectful.
Meg “Canning”. Unreal! https://t.co/dK5aPXJQCB
— Jeet Vachharajani (Women 🏏) (@Jeetv27WC) January 15, 2026
Please don’t tell me he named seven-time World Cup winning Megastar Meg CANNING🤦♀️
— BaniiM (@BM_3697) January 15, 2026
Canning Meg? Like seriously
— Tushar Rane (@tushnemma) January 16, 2026
If it’s Meg Canning, she’ll definitely be playing for Manchester Sodium Giants.
— Deepti (@deeptiraonayak) January 16, 2026
Buddhe Did you say canning meg?????
— mokapot (@coffeemonk9) January 15, 2026
Meg ka name to pronounce karleta correctly
— Bleed Blue (@CricCrazyVeena) January 15, 2026
I canning 😭
What is this Shoenka? https://t.co/ZLAKwK1Brs— Asli BCCI Women #WPL 2026 (@AsliBCCIWomen1) January 15, 2026
Manchester Super Giants look for their first hundred title after taking over RPGG
The RPGG Group purchased a 70% stake in the franchise, bringing Manchester under the Super Giants network. The group already owns Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and Durban Super Giants.
Manchester Originals failed to win a Hundred title in their first five seasons. The men’s team was close in 2022 and 2023, but finished second both times.
Meg Lanning joined after playing for Oval Invincibles and London Spirit. Liam Dawson spent the last four years at London Spirit after starting his Hundred journey with Southern Brave. Smriti Mandhana played for Southern Brave from 2021 to 2024, winning the tournament in 2023.
The franchise has also unveiled a new logo featuring an elephant. Manchester Super Giants will now look to challenge for their first Hundred titles in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Also read: Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed hit by visa delays as England panic ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup
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