A general view of The Hundred trophy | Source: X.com
The Indian Premier League (IPL), the cricketing behemoth that has revolutionized the sport globally, is set to extend its influence further. The English Cricket Board (ECB) is in advanced talks with IPL owners for a potential investment in The Hundred, the 100-ball cricket tournament.
Aiming to bolster the financial health of domestic cricket and secure The Hundred‘s place in the global sporting calendar, the ECB is looking for private investment. A strategic move involves offering a 49% stake in each Hundred team to potential investors, while the host teams retain majority ownership.
Richard Gould, ECB’s chief executive, clarified that while the governing body will retain control over the competition, individual teams have the liberty to sell partial or full ownership. He emphasized the diverse interests of potential investors, ranging from on-field control to commercial aspects.
The IPL, known for its extravagant production, star-studded line-ups, and massive fan following, has become a goldmine for players and franchises alike. Its success has led to a surge in franchise-based cricket leagues worldwide, with many looking to emulate its formula.
Vikram Banerjee, ECB’s director of business operations, confirmed multiple meetings with IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL) owners, expressing optimism about potential partnerships. The ECB has also initiated outreach to NFL owners to introduce them to the intricacies of cricket.
