Yorkshire cricket fans woke up to a bright orange surprise recently as the former Northern Superchargers underwent a major transformation. The franchise’s takeover by the Sun Group has led to the official rebranding: Northern Superchargers’ name change is now complete, and the team will compete as Sunrisers Leeds in the Hundred 2026. While the purple kits and familiar logo are gone, the new identity links Leeds to the Sun Group’s global cricket family, including IPL’s Sunrisers Hyderabad and South Africa’s Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
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The Sun Group’s Big Play
The acquisition wasn’t just a handshake and a cheque. Sun TV Network Limited now holds 100% of the Leeds-based franchise, after buying out both the ECB and Yorkshire County Cricket Club shares for over £100 million. The deal marks the first time a Hundred franchise has been fully sold to a private entity. Co-owner Kavya Maran explained the vision behind this massive investment:
“Sunrisers Leeds isn’t just a team, it’s family, it’s emotion, it’s passion… Every wicket, every run, every record we break, it’s for you.”
Her words highlight how the Northern Superchargers’ name change isn’t just cosmetic; it’s a strategic alignment across the Sunrisers brand, ahead of the Hundred 2026.
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A new era begins in the 🇬🇧
Ms. Kaviya K. Maran shares her message for the Orange Army 🧡
Let’s Play With Fire 🔥
[@thehundred] pic.twitter.com/b640lTccxi— Sunrisers Leeds (@sunrisersleeds) January 12, 2026
Fans Feeling a Bit of Culture Shock
Not everyone is thrilled, though. Some fans argue that the Northern Superchargers’ name change erases a local identity. The move isn’t limited to Leeds; other franchises bought by Indian owners have faced similar rebrands, and for some, it feels like a global takeover of domestic cricket. Critics point out that the Orange Army now dominates where once there was local colour, making the league feel a little more “Sunrisers everywhere” than uniquely English.
A new Sun rises with the same 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 🔥
Orange Army of Headingley, welcome your team – Sunrisers Leeds 🧡
[@thehundred | @SunrisersEC | Play With Fire] pic.twitter.com/r9dMrPQhgk— Sunrisers Leeds (@sunrisersleeds) January 12, 2026
Still, supporters who embrace the change see a chance for Leeds to be part of a growing cricket empire, ready to compete on a bigger stage during the Hundred 2026.
Line-Up For the Hundred 2026
Despite the upheaval, continuity is being maintained on the pitch. England internationals Harry Brook and Brydon Carse have been retained, alongside key women’s players Annabel Sutherland, Phoebe Litchfield, and Kate Cross. New signings like Mitch Marsh and Nathan Ellis add firepower to the men’s side, while Daniel Vettori and Adrian Birrell take over coaching duties for the men’s and women’s teams respectively. The focus is clear: the Northern Superchargers’ name change signals a new era, but fans will still see familiar faces in action for Sunrisers Leeds this Hundred season.
These 4️⃣ can set any stage on 🔥😮💨
Get ready, Leeds. They’re coming to #PlayWithFire 💪
[Sunrisers Leeds | @CarseBrydon | @Harry_Brook_88] pic.twitter.com/5kKVabBed6— Sunrisers Leeds (@sunrisersleeds) January 12, 2026
With the 2026 campaign around the corner, Sunrisers Leeds is ready to hit the ground running. The branding now fully reflects the Sun Group ethos, linking Leeds to the global Sunrisers network. While there are skeptics, there’s no denying the buzz this Northern Superchargers’ name change has generated. Headingley will soon glow orange as fans, old and new, embrace the team’s fiery spirit in the Hundred 2026—from every boundary to every wicket, the Orange Army is ready to make its mark.
