The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reportedly considering scrapping the Hundred after just three seasons, amid financial losses and growing scepticism from key figures. The tournament, launched in 2021, has been praised for boosting women's cricket and attracting new audiences, but projections have fallen short, with losses estimated at £9 million.
According to a report by Worcestershire chairman Fanos Hira, the Hundred generated only 41.8% of the income predicted by Deloitte in 2016. Hira has called for "fresh injections of capital" as "organic growth options appear limited". The ECB is now exploring external investment, potentially from IPL franchise owners, to raise player salaries and attract top talent.
The Hundred's unique 100-ball format, however, is seen as an obstacle to securing such investment. In contrast, South Africa's SA20, which uses a traditional T20 format and has IPL backing, paid players up to £400,000 this year, compared to the Hundred's salary caps of £125,000 for men and £31,250 for women.
Despite the financial challenges, the Hundred has delivered strong television ratings, with 14.1 million viewers last year, including many new to cricket. Sky Sports, which holds broadcasting rights until 2028, has expressed satisfaction with the competition. The ECB's new leadership, chair Richard Thompson and chief executive Richard Gould, both former Surrey officials known for their scepticism of the Hundred, are now driving the search for alternatives.
