The future of The Hundred, England’s 100-ball cricket tournament, remains secure and will not be scrapped, according to ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould. Despite facing criticism and encountering teething problems, Gould asserts that the competition will be made “bigger and better.”
In an interview on the Final Word Podcast, Gould emphasized the importance of The Hundred in the global cricket landscape, stating, “Every country needs to have a super primetime white-ball domestic competition… We have invested very heavily in The Hundred over a number of years, both emotionally and financially.”
Gould firmly dismissed any speculation about removing The Hundred from the cricket calendar, highlighting the significant investment made into the competition and its positive impact on attracting a new audience. He also highlighted the satisfaction of broadcasters, particularly the BBC, which has aired matches free-to-air.
“We are not going to take The Hundred out, we are going to make it bigger and better,” Gould stated, reiterating the ECB’s commitment to enhancing cricket as a whole. The tournament, which was launched in 2021, has received mixed reactions, with critics expressing concerns about its potential negative effects on the existing domestic formats.
While The Hundred has faced criticism for cannibalizing the domestic game, it has undeniably raised the profile of women’s cricket and attracted families through affordable ticket prices. The competition has been played exclusively in England and is scheduled to take place entirely in August this season.
Despite rumors suggesting financial difficulties, including claims of losses, Gould maintained that The Hundred has delivered positive returns. However, the managing director of the tournament, Sanjay Patel, is reportedly set to step down after the conclusion of this year’s edition.
The ECB’s stance contradicts the views of some who believe that investing in the existing T20 Blast competition would have been a better solution. The financial aspects of The Hundred have also been a subject of debate, with conflicting reports regarding profitability. While the ECB claims a profit of £11.8 million over the first two seasons, a separate report from Worcestershire chair Fanos Hira suggests a £9 million loss.
As the tournament continues to evolve, the ECB remains determined to make The Hundred a success and contribute to the growth and development of cricket. Gould’s reassurances highlight the organization’s commitment to the competition’s long-term future and its belief in its potential to attract new fans and audiences.
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