The Hundred League could soon be converted into a Twenty20 competition as English cricket deals with the rapidly changing nature of the sport. These discussions are at an early stage, and there is heightened tension due to the substantial investment made by Sky Sports, the primary television partner of English cricket.
Change in The Hundred to occur soon?
When Sky extended their contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) until 2028 last year, the anticipation was that The Hundred would continue to exist. This agreement is said to be valued at £220 million annually. As the competition enters its third season, there is growing concern within the ECB about the fact that 100-ball cricket remains exclusive to the UK. This information has come to the attention of Mail Sport.
In contrast, T20 cricket is experiencing significant growth and expansion. This summer, Major League Cricket in the USA is set to commence, while Saudi Arabia is making efforts to establish its own league. Moreover, there is increasing talk about tailored 20-over contracts for numerous freelance players from different parts of the globe.
The immensely successful women’s format of The Hundred is expected to remain unaltered, while it is unlikely that any modifications will be made to the men’s edition before 2025. However, one potential option being considered is inviting the National Counties (previously known as the Minor Counties) to join the existing 18 first-class teams, thereby expanding the competition and providing a pathway for talented cricketers to enter the professional realm.
ECB open to suggestions
If such a change were to occur, the T20 Blast tournament might divide into two leagues, incorporating promotion and relegation. Nevertheless, reaching an agreement with the first-class counties is essential for any changes to be implemented, and the ECB remains open to suggestions on how to effectively structure the summer cricket calendar.
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