Picture this: a sun-soaked stadium buzzing with energy, young fans waving colorful banners, and the crack of a cricket ball echoing through the stands. This isn’t just any cricket match—it’s The Hundred, England’s bold, fast-paced experiment that’s shaking up the sport. I’ve always loved cricket’s timeless charm, but there’s something undeniably electric about this new format. It’s not just about the game; it’s about money, power, and a vision for cricket’s future. So, what’s driving this revolution, and why should we care?
The Hundred: Cricket’s Bold New Frontier
Launched in 2021 by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), The Hundred is cricket’s answer to a fast-moving world. Designed to captivate younger audiences who might find five-day Test matches a bit daunting, this format squeezes the action into 100 balls per side—think of it as cricket’s high-octane espresso shot. But beyond the flashy games and packed stadiums, The Hundred is a financial juggernaut, redefining how cricket operates in England and beyond.
The tournament, played over five weeks during the English summer holidays, has become a magnet for global investors. In early 2025, the eight teams in The Hundred were valued at a staggering £975 million ($1.3 billion). That’s not pocket change—it’s a signal that cricket is no longer just a gentleman’s game but a global business. So, how did we get here, and what does it mean for the sport’s soul?
A Game-Changing Investment Boom
The Hundred’s financial success didn’t happen by accident. The ECB, eager to secure its own slice of the franchise cricket pie, created a tournament that could rival the likes of India’s Indian Premier League (IPL). The strategy paid off. In February 2025, a three-round bidding process saw investors from the U.S., India, and beyond pour in massive sums. The numbers are jaw-dropping:
- London Spirit: Valued at £295 million, with Silicon Valley’s Cricket Investor Holdings snapping up a 49% stake for £145 million.
- Oval Invincibles: Priced at £125 million after India’s Ambani family, through RISE Worldwide, bought a 49% stake.
- Manchester Originals: Valued at £116 million, with Indian conglomerate RPSG acquiring a 70% stake.
- Trent Rockets: Worth £79 million after a 49% stake went to Cain International, linked to U.S. investor Todd Boehly.
These valuations aren’t just numbers—they’re a testament to cricket’s growing global appeal. Tech titans like Alphabet’s Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella are backing teams, alongside India’s wealthiest families. It’s a heady mix of Silicon Valley and Mumbai money, and it’s changing the game’s DNA.
Cricket is no longer just a sport; it’s a global investment opportunity drawing the biggest players in tech and business.
– Sports finance analyst
But here’s where it gets tricky. The ECB, while cashing in on these investments, has kept a controlling stake in The Hundred. This move, championed by ECB chairman Richard Thompson, ensures the board retains influence over the tournament’s direction. In 2022, Thompson turned down a £350 million offer from a private equity firm to buy the entire competition outright. Smart move? I think so. It’s a rare case of a sports body balancing profit with power.
Why The Hundred Works
So, what makes The Hundred such a hit? For starters, it’s accessible. The rules are simpler, the games are shorter, and the vibe is more festival than formal. Grounds are packed, ticket prices are reasonable, and the ECB’s marketing machine has gone all-in. Social media clips from the first season in 2021 were viewed nearly 35 million times. That’s the kind of reach that makes sponsors drool.
Then there’s the timing. Played during the summer holidays, The Hundred captures families and younger fans who might not sit through a Test match. It’s also got the advantage of free-to-air TV, which gives it a massive audience boost. As a former England captain put it:
Put on a great game in summer, make it affordable, and broadcast it widely—people will show up, no matter their background.
– Cricket commentator
But let’s be real: The Hundred isn’t just about fun and games. It’s a calculated move by the ECB to secure its financial future. Before The Hundred, the board’s main revenue came from TV rights for England’s international teams, much of which was funneled to the 18 county clubs. With franchise leagues like the IPL threatening to overshadow international cricket, the ECB needed its own cash cow. Enter The Hundred.
The Cost of Success: County Cricket’s Struggle
Not everyone’s cheering, though. The Hundred’s rise has come at a cost, particularly for county cricket, the sport’s traditional backbone in England and Wales. The 18 counties, which have nurtured players for generations, are feeling squeezed. The Hundred’s prime summer slot has pushed county fixtures to the edges of the season, sidelining the County Championship and even the lucrative T20 Blast.
The financial disparity is stark. A recent report highlighted that the three richest counties—Surrey, Lancashire, and Warwickshire—accounted for 44% of total county revenue in 2023, while the poorest, like Leicestershire and Derbyshire, scraped by with just 5.6%. These richer counties, not coincidentally, host Hundred teams. The rest? They’re increasingly reliant on ECB handouts.
| County Type | Revenue Share (2023) | Hundred Host? |
| Top 3 Counties | 44% | Yes |
| Bottom 3 Counties | 5.6% | No |
| Mid-tier Counties | 50.4% | Mixed |
This divide has sparked fears of a growing gap between cricket’s haves and have-nots. Some worry the influx of Hundred money could be mismanaged, pointing to English rugby’s struggles after a private equity cash injection led to several club bankruptcies. The ECB’s challenge is to distribute this windfall wisely, ensuring the counties don’t just survive but thrive.
Club vs. Country: A Growing Tension
Here’s where things get messy. The Hundred, and franchise cricket in general, is starting to pull players away from international duty. The IPL and similar leagues offer eye-watering paychecks, tempting players to prioritize club over country. We’ve seen it already: South African stars like Quinton de Kock and Trinidad’s Nicholas Pooran have stepped back from international cricket to chase franchise riches.
England’s not immune. Last year, the ECB recalled players from the IPL for T20 World Cup prep, but in 2025, they let a promising player skip a Test match to keep playing in the IPL. It’s a delicate balancing act. As a fan, I find it frustrating—international cricket is the sport’s heart, but the money in franchise leagues is hard to ignore.
The pull of franchise cricket is reshaping player priorities, and international cricket might pay the price.
– Cricket journalist
Globally, Test cricket is already on shaky ground outside the “big three” (England, India, Australia). South Africa, fresh off a World Test Championship win, won’t play another home Test series until 2026. Smaller cricketing nations like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are lucky to get 10 Test matches over the next two years. If The Hundred keeps growing, could England’s Test cricket suffer too? It’s a question that keeps purists up at night.
What’s Next for The Hundred?
Despite the concerns, The Hundred’s future looks bright. This season, starting in August 2025, features global stars like Australia’s Steve Smith and Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad, adding to the tournament’s allure. The ECB’s savvy move to retain control while raking in investment means they can keep pushing the boundaries of what cricket can be.
But the real test is sustainability. Can the ECB use this cash to strengthen the entire cricket ecosystem, from grassroots to counties to international teams? Or will The Hundred’s glitz overshadow the sport’s traditions? I’m cautiously optimistic, but it’s a tightrope walk.
- Invest Wisely: Use Hundred revenue to support struggling counties.
- Protect Tradition: Ensure Test cricket and county games aren’t sidelined.
- Engage Fans: Keep ticket prices low and media coverage wide to grow the fanbase.
The Hundred has already proven it can draw crowds, cash, and global attention. But as cricket stands at this crossroads, the ECB’s choices will shape whether it becomes a unifying force or a divisive one. For now, I’ll be watching from the stands—virtual or real—cheering for a sport that’s never been more exciting, or more complicated.
Final Thoughts: A Sport in Transition
Cricket’s always been about more than runs and wickets—it’s about passion, community, and history. The Hundred brings a fresh spark, but it’s stirring up questions about where the sport’s headed. Will it stay true to its roots, or chase the dollars and leave tradition behind? As someone who’s spent countless summers glued to cricket, I hope it’s a bit of both—innovation that respects the past. What do you think: is The Hundred cricket’s savior or its sellout? Let’s keep the conversation going.
