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The Hundred is a professional 100-ball cricket tournament in England and the Wales, launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2021. The recent news around this has been the fact that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has extended the deadline for finalizing the sales of The Hundred franchises till the end of April. This extension addresses concerns raised by prospective buyers regarding the terms of the agreements. Initially set for an eight-week exclusivity period starting in February, the timeframe has been prolonged to ensure all parties reach a mutual understanding.
Key issues involve control over the tournament's next television rights deal. Investors are seeking authority over TV rights management and revenue retention, while the ECB prefers to maintain a bundled agreement with Sky Sports for the 2028-2032 cycle. Resolving this conflict is crucial to securing the anticipated 520 million pounds investment aimed at bolstering English cricket.
Preview of the upcoming The Hundred 2025 season
Despite these challenges, significant investments have already been made. Notably, American tech tycoon Sanjay Govil invested 84.6 million pounds in the Welsh Fire franchise, bringing renewed optimism to Welsh cricket. Additionally, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly acquired a 49% stake in the Trent Rockets for 40 million pounds, marking his entry into the cricketing world. The 2025 season of The Hundred is set to be the biggest yet, with private franchise ownership bringing fresh investments and new energy.
The tournament, featuring eight men and women’s teams, kicks off in July 2025 and runs through August, with matches being played across England and Wales. With increased funds, we can expect enhanced marketing, larger prize pools, and more star power. On the field, defending men’s champions Oval Invincibles will aim for back-to-back titles, while Southern Brave will seek to retain their women’s crown. The tournament will also see more international talent, with players from India, Australia, and South Africa joining the action.
