England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) CEO Tom Harrison admits the decision to postpone the launch of The Hundred is a disappointing one, but the event in 2021 will play a “critical” role in the sport’s revival and long-term future.
The ECB’s new 100-ball tournament was due to start this summer. However, like many sporting events in the UK, it has been called off due to Covid-19. The Hundred’s inaugural season will now happen in 2021.
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In a statement ECB chief Harrison said: “The situation we find ourselves in as a country means that delivery of The Hundred will not be possible this summer.
“Whilst we are naturally disappointed that we won’t get to realise our ambitions this year, The Hundred will go ahead in 2021 when we are safely able to deliver everything we intended to help grow the game.
“As we emerge from the fallout of Covid-19, there will be an even greater need for The Hundred. Our survival as a game, long-term, will be dependent on our ability to recover financially and continue our ambition to build on cricket’s growing fan base. That need has not gone anyway, if anything, it is now more critical.
“The Hundred will create millions in revenues for the game, through hosting fees, hospitality and ticket sales, as well as delivering £25m in annual financial distributions to all First-Class Counties and MCC.
“Its role in driving participation alongside supporting the development of the women’s game will be material in generating take-up of our game across country-wide communities.”
Key objectives
The ECB says refocused efforts will now look forward to 2021 and four key objectives to support the game will be “even more imperative”. The Hundred’s four key objectives are:
- Engaging a broader audience in cricket to grow the game
- Driving participation throughout the game with the support of partners Sky and BBC
- Delivering guaranteed revenues and support for First-Class Counties (FCCs), MCC and the wider game
- Developing young talent as they grow their skills playing for and against teams made up of world-class players and coaches
Image: ecb.co.uk