English cricket takes a step into the unknown with the launch of The Hundred, a brand new 100 balls per side format, on Wednesday. But rather than the format, it is the potential knock-on effects of The Hundred that worry many within English cricket. Rather than rely on the current 18 county set-up, the Hundred will feature eight specially created franchise teams - all featuring men's and women's sides. Some matches will be broadcast on terrestrial television, with cricket having largely disappeared from free to air coverage in the UK since the 2005 Ashes - although that was an ECB decision. Nevertheless, ECB chief executive Tom Harrison is convinced the Hundred will deliver income and profile that is vital to the survival of English cricket.

Source: News 24 July 20, 2021 05:37 UTC