Rob Key underlines the importance of The Hundred

England managing director of men's cricket Rob Key opines that the often controversial novelty tournament The Hundred will secure the future of the game.

When the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) introduced the idea of The Hundred, it invited a lot of criticism. With the tournament having a unique set of rules, many lashed out at the organizing body for spoiling the rules and fun of the game.

But as it turned out, slowly the spectators developed an interest in the competition and eventually, it was a big success, which paved the way for the ongoing second edition to take place.

Speaking on the success of The Hundred, ex-English cricketer, Key stated that the 100-ball tournament will hold Cricket's future. 

“The Hundred is going to be something that secures the future of our game. It’s the best standard of white-ball cricket that we’ve got, it’s the best players playing against the best," Rob Key told Sky Sports Cricket.

Key not ready to compromise on red-ball cricket

He further said that he would like to see more red-ball cricket run alongside the country’s recently incepted franchise cricket tournament, The Hundred, with no first-class fixtures taking place this month.

“(But) I don’t want players not to be playing any first-class cricket throughout that period (of the peak summer months). We can’t have people not playing first-class cricket in that August window.

The Hundred is set to be an integral part of the England cricket calendar until at least 2028 with the tournament held in August during the school holidays in UK.

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