'It is creating real value for the game' - Richard Thompson on The Hundred

Richard Thompson (PC: Twitter)

It is no secret that Richard Thompson was never in the favour of The Hundred tournament. The veteran had bluntly opposed the idea of the tournament. During the time of voting for the 100-ball tournament, Thompson was the Surrey chief and they were the only club to vote against the league.

Moreover, the 83-year-old had also resigned from the England and Wales Cricket Board in 2018 after they decided to go ahead with the tournament. Thompson was of the opinion that England were a victim of their own success.

However, five years later, the former left-handed batter is a changed man. After being appointed as the new ECB chair, Thompson lauded The Hundred Competition for adding great value to the gentlemen’s game. The veteran revealed that from the broadcast point of view, the league is a huge success.

Thompson opens up on the future of The Hundred

In an interview with The Times, Thompson said,

"It is reaching audiences other sports are not reaching let alone cricket. As a broadcast product, it is very effective and it's finding an audience that is creating real value for the game.

"In two-or-three years' time, or whenever, I think the game might be surprised what The Hundred is worth. Four years ago, when I was against it, that was not an argument I necessarily saw."

Thompson on private investment 

Further in the interaction, the ECB chair also reflected on the private investment in the tournament. As of now, the England board has complete control over the league but they are not averse to the idea of bringing outside investment. Thompson believes that the inception of numerous T20 leagues and the involvement of money has attracted private equity.

However, the England board will be careful with the transition as they need to be strategic with The Hundred rather than opportunistic. The ECB chair believes that the hardest part for them will be to set a value for the league.

"We saw the CVC deal in rugby, which I've looked very closely at, and other things playing out in other sports. There is no question that cricket will attract private equity but what it can't afford to do is be opportunistic. It needs to be strategic."

Also Read: England can host IPL matches, says new ECB chairman Richard Thompson