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The Hundred To Have T20 Twist? ECB CEO Reveals Potential Format Change

Soumyajit Dutta

The Hundred [Source: @MIPaltanFamily/X]The Hundred [Source: @MIPaltanFamily/X]

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has hinted at potential structural changes to The Hundred, including a possible transition to a T20 format, as the tournament evolves under new private ownership. Earlier this year, the ECB and counties sold stakes in all eight franchises to global investors, with multiple Indian Premier League (IPL) team owners acquiring shares. 

While the 100-ball concept initially distinguished the competition, discussions around aligning it with the globally popular T20 model have gained traction, though no formal proposals have been tabled yet.

ECB CEO Opens Up On Format Changes As IPL Giants Circle

Any format overhaul of The Hundred would require approval from broadcast partner Sky Sports, which holds rights until 2028. The league’s unique features, such as five-ball sets and bowlers delivering consecutive sets, have sparked innovation but also debate. 

Lancashire chair Andy Anson previously endorsed a T20 shift from 2025, citing commercial logic. However, ECB CEO Richard Gould emphasized that internal discussions on format changes remain inactive for now.

“Those discussions have not taken place (internally). It’s not on people’s agenda. At some point, if that’s something they want to discuss, yeah. Of course we’ll have that discussion,” Gould stated on The Final Word.

He acknowledged the influence of new investors, including IPL franchises like Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, stressing collaboration, “We would be foolish if we were not to take advice, guidance, and counsel as to how to take this game forward.”

Gould To Take Advice From Stakeholders

Gould highlighted the league’s role in driving innovation but hinted at fresh perspectives from stakeholders.

“It's got to be collaborative. They're bringing a lot more investment and a lot of thought. I think that we will see, The Hundred's been incredible in terms of delivering innovation into the game in the last three or four years. If you look at the investors we've just brought in, that's going to superpower that," added Gould.

While the 100-ball structure stays for now, the ECB’s openness to change reflects the growing clout of private capital in reshaping cricket’s landscape as BCCI is also reportedly eyeing a piece of stake in the league.