ECB open to T20 format discussions for The Hundred amid investor and executive pressure
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) CEO Richard Gould has indicated that the board is open to discussions about shifting The Hundred tournament to a traditional T20 format, signaling a potential turning point for the competition’s future.
Speaking on The Final Word podcast, Gould stated, “Those discussions have not taken place [internally]. And it’s not on people’s agenda. At some point, if that’s something they want to discuss, yeah. Of course we’ll have that discussion.” He emphasized that any such decision would ultimately be made by the ECB board.
Investment and innovation at the forefront
Gould also highlighted the impact of new investors on the tournament’s direction. “It’s a decision for the ECB board though. But look, we’ve got some amazing investors that have arrived. And we would be foolish if we were not to take advice, guidance and counsel as to how to take this game forward,” Gould said.
He added, “It’s got to be collaborative. They’re bringing a lot more investment and a lot of thought. I think that we will see, The Hundred’s been incredible in terms of delivering innovation into the game in the last three or four years. If you look at the investors we’ve just brought in, that’s going to superpower that.”
cricexec poll shows strong executive backing for T20 transition
A recent poll conducted by cricexec among global cricket industry executives shows strong support for modifying The Hundred’s format. According to the survey, 66% of executives advocated a switch to the mainstream Twenty20 (T20) format, while 34% preferred retaining the current hundred-ball structure.
Industry leaders believe that aligning The Hundred with the global T20 ecosystem would enhance international player participation, streamline scheduling with other T20 leagues, and unlock greater commercial opportunities.
Andy Anson, Chairman of Lancashire Cricket Club, voiced his opinion strongly, saying, “I think the format was an unnecessary creation. It was there to create a difference between the Blast and The Hundred… I think we are past that now.” Anson added, “It is the best format of cricket from a global audience perspective. It does generate huge amounts of interest around the world… I would just fall in line with it.”
Future of The Hundred set for critical discussions
Although no internal discussions have formally begun within the ECB, the growing influence of investors, strong executive support, and broader strategic factors suggest that The Hundred’s future could soon be at a critical juncture.
Collaboration, investment, and innovation are likely to guide the ECB’s decision-making process as they evaluate the next steps for one of their flagship tournaments.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
