As the third season of The Hundred kicks off on Tuesday (July 23), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced significant changes for next season, including the introduction of private investors and new funding. Among the interested parties are Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, all of whom the ECB has engaged in discussions.
While the ECB did not reveal specific details about the IPL franchises interested or the exact business model, they indicated that the competition would operate similarly to other franchise leagues. Vikram Banerjee, director of business operations at the ECB, mentioned during a media conference call that the upcoming commercial negotiations would align The Hundred with global franchise leagues. Banerjee noted that feedback had been gathered from IPL owners on critical aspects and that the formal process would begin in early to mid-September, aiming for a revamped competition by the 2025 season.
Banerjee explained that the initial phase of this transformation would continue into early next year, with the goal of finalising the new team investors by the time of the draft and ticket sales in February-March.
Despite the new investments, the ECB is determined to maintain control over the competition. Richard Gould, CEO of the ECB, clarified that control would be maintained at both the team and competition levels. He emphasised that while the ECB is open to selling stakes up to 49 percent in individual teams, they would retain a 51 percent stake to ensure control over the league’s organisation, scheduling, and overall management.
Gould explained that different investor groups have varying priorities, with some focusing on field control, while others emphasise branding and commercial interests. The ECB aims to balance these needs without relinquishing control of the competition itself.
Currently, The Hundred consists of eight men’s and women’s teams competing in a 100-ball format. This season’s final will be held at Lord’s on August 18.