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Launched in 2021, The Hundred is a 100-ball-per-side competition reportedly designed to attract a new, diverse audience to cricket. It is also said that unlike traditional T20 formats, its shorter duration and simplified rules aimed to appeal to families and younger fans, with matches concluding earlier than standard T20 games. The fifth season of The Hundred, which concluded recently, has been reportedly hailed as a commercial and cultural success. In October 2024, 31% of tickets for The Hundred were purchased by women, 23% were bought for juniors, and 41% of attendees were family groups, underscoring the tournament’s appeal to a broader demographic.
In a statement that has reportedly sent ripples through the global cricketing community, Richard Thompson, the chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has declared The Hundred as a “clear challenger brand to the Indian Premier League (IPL)”, the world’s most lucrative and widely followed T20 cricket tournament. Speaking to Sky Sports on September 7, 2025, he said, “We have owners who have very deep pockets. They are very determined to turn this into the world-class tournament that it really will become now.” Thompson expressed unbridled optimism about the future of The Hundred, highlighting its unique format, significant financial backing, and potential to reshape the landscape of franchise cricket.
Several IPL franchises have also acquired stakes in The Hundred
These “deep-pocketed” investors, including several IPL franchise owners, reported investment pouring in over £520 million, and the possibility of Indian players participating in the future, The Hundred is reportedly poised to carve out a distinct identity in the world of T20 leagues. Notably, several IPL franchise owners have acquired stakes in The Hundred, signaling a convergence of cricketing powerhouses. Reliance Industries Ltd (Mumbai Indians) secured a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles, RPSG Group (Lucknow Super Giants) took a 70% stake in Manchester Originals, Sun Group (Sunrisers Hyderabad) acquired full control of Northern Superchargers, and GMR Group (Delhi Capitals) purchased a 49% stake in Southern Brave. This influx of investment, Thompson argues, positions The Hundred as the “IPL of the Northern Hemisphere.”
One of the most tantalizing prospects raised by Thompson is the potential inclusion of Indian players in The Hundred. Currently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prohibits active Indian male cricketers from participating in overseas T20 leagues, restricting their involvement to the IPL. However, with IPL owners now heavily invested in The Hundred, and the English domestic season not clashing with India’s cricket calendar, Thompson believes this barrier could soon be lifted. “It’s only a matter of time before Indian players play in The Hundred,” he told the BBC Test Match Special earlier on July 31, 2025.
