The Hundred's Financial Shift: A New Era for English Cricket

As India and England clashed in a thrilling Test series, the England and Wales Cricket Board made headlines by selling majority stakes in The Hundred franchises for over £520 million. While this financial move aims to secure the future of cricket, questions arise about its effectiveness in attracting new fans to traditional formats. With contrasting strategies between the two teams and the ongoing debate over the balance between franchise interests and national pride, the cricketing landscape is evolving. This article delves into the implications of these changes and the challenges that lie ahead for English cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 08:57 IST

A Transformative Moment for The Hundred

As India faced England at The Oval in the concluding Test of an exhilarating series, a significant yet quieter development unfolded behind the scenes. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has divested majority stakes in six out of its eight franchises for The Hundred, amassing over £520 million, which is approximately Rs 5,600 crore.

The ECB has positioned this move as a sustainable solution to its financial challenges. However, even top officials acknowledge that The Hundred—a 100-ball format launched in 2021 to engage a younger audience—has not succeeded in drawing fans to traditional cricket formats.

Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, stated in a recent interview, “There is no evidence that The Hundred has brought new fans into other formats of cricket.”

This revelation comes as The Oval buzzed with excitement on Thursday, with fans cheering for every inswinger from Bumrah and every straight drive from Joe Root. While players competed in the oldest format of the game, administrators were banking on the future of its newest and most controversial format.

India's approach in this series has been audacious, fielding five different playing XIs across five Tests. In contrast, England has leaned on its core red-ball players. Both teams have demonstrated intense focus, strategic planning, and a sense of historical significance. Yet, in the ECB boardroom, the focus is shifting from tradition to financial transactions.

Richard Thompson, the ECB chair, remarked in a press release earlier this week, “This is a landmark moment in the history of The Hundred and the wider game.”

During a rain delay at The Oval on Day 1 of the fifth Test, Thompson noted, “Harry lost millions by not playing in the IPL. It was a massive sacrifice. But that’s the mentality we now have in the England team.”

This comment referred to the rising star Harry Brook, who opted out of a lucrative IPL contract this year to commit to England’s full Test schedule. While administrators are selling short-format teams to private investors, players like Brook are being lauded for prioritizing national duty over personal gain. This contradiction is hard to overlook.

In India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) maintains strict control over player availability, preventing Indian cricketers from participating in overseas franchise leagues. The IPL reigns supreme, and national commitments still dictate the cricket calendar. However, Indian corporations have already invested in teams in leagues like South Africa’s SA20, the UAE’s ILT20, and the Caribbean Premier League.

Should The Hundred achieve greater financial success, Indian companies may soon acquire stakes in English cricket as well. This could lead to similar challenges that England currently faces: balancing the interests of private franchises with national pride.

While India's cricket economy is significantly larger than England's, it is not immune to market saturation or audience fatigue. As the IPL grows and Indian fans navigate Tests, ODIs, and various T20 leagues, The Hundred serves as a cautionary tale: new formats and extensive branding do not always guarantee loyal viewership.

Despite four seasons of The Hundred, ECB data indicates minimal “cross-format conversion,” meaning fans of The Hundred are not necessarily transitioning to Test or ODI cricket.

At The Oval, however, none of this uncertainty dampened the excitement. The cricket was captivating, featuring Bumrah’s reverse swing and Root’s elegance, steeped in historical significance. Fans, many of whom were Indian, braved inclement weather and transport delays to witness a narrative that still holds value.

Whether the financial gains from The Hundred will help preserve this spirit or gradually replace it remains uncertain. Nonetheless, the fifth Test served as a poignant reminder: some formats do not require reinvention; they simply need to be respected.