Sanjiv Goenka faces allegations of ‘Unprofessionalism’ by Meg Lanning fans at Manchester Super Giants launch

The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, which owns teams such as Lucknow Super Giants and Durban Super Giants, has taken over the Manchester Originals, rebranding the franchise as Manchester Super Giants. Goenka drew criticism from Meg Lanning fans over alleged unprofessional conduct during the team’s launch event.

The Super Giants Group have signed two of the biggest names in women’s cricket, Smriti Mandhana and Meg Lanning, along with England spinner Sophie Ecclestone. In the men’s setup, the group also made major calls 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 that the Manchester Super Giants focused on building a men’s squad with match-winners. The team signed Jos Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen, along with spinners Noor Ahmad and Liam Dawson, considering conditions at their home venue.

“We’ve made good signings for the men’s team, two world-class batters and proven match-winners, Jos Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen. The Old Trafford pitch is traditionally slow and, therefore, we have gone with 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 Faces Unprofessionalism Allegations from Meg Lanning Fans

Sanjiv Goenka came under fire at the Manchester Super Giants launch after fans accused him of unprofessional behaviour. He mispronounced women players’ names, including Meg Lanning’s name.

Fans expressed anger that the mistake was neither corrected nor edited out, 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 again a 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 bringing an enviable track record.”

It’s one thing to not know the players. But getting their name wrong is a different level of unprofessionalism.

The fact that it’s been left in the video as it is and no one noticed/corrected it, makes it so disrespectful.

Meg “Canning”. Unreal! https://t.co/dK5aPXJQCB

— Jeet Vachharajani (Women’s 🏏) (@Jeetv27WC) January 15, 2026

Please don’t tell me he called the 7 time WC winning Megastar, Meg CANNING🤦‍♀️

— BaniiM (@BM_3697) January 15, 2026

Meg Canning? Like seriously

— Tushar Rane (@tushnemma) January 16, 2026

If it’s Meg Canning then definitely she’ll play for Manchester Sodium Giants.

— Deepti (@deeptiraonayak) January 16, 2026

Buddhe Did you say meg canning???????

— moka pot (@coffeemonk9) January 15, 2026

Meg ka naam to sahi se pronounce karleta

— Bleed Blue (@CricCrazyVeena) January 15, 2026

Meg Canning 😭
What is this Shoenka? https://t.co/ZLAKwK1Brs

— Asli BCCI Women #WPL 2026 (@AsliBCCIWomen1) January 15, 2026

Manchester Super Giants Eye First Hundred Title After RPSG Takeover

The RPSG Group bought 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 came close in 2022 and 2023 but finished as runners-up on both occasions.

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 and won the tournament in 2023.

The franchise has also unveiled a new logo featuring an elephant. Manchester Super Giants now aim to challenge for their first Hundred titles in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

Also read: Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed hit by visa delays as England panic ahead of T20 World Cup 2026