ECB's Hundred Changes

The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) is planning substantial changes to the tournament to boost its competitiveness on the global cricket stage. One of the major reforms includes increasing player salaries, allowing franchises to offer multi-year contracts worth up to £300,000 per season. This shift is expected to elevate the total salary expenditure of each team from approximately £1.9 million to over £3.5 million annually, making the tournament the second-highest payer among men’s leagues, just behind the IPL.

Additionally, the ECB is considering increasing the limit on overseas players from three to four per team in the playing XI. This change aligns The Hundred with international standards set by other major T20 leagues, including the IPL, WPL, PSL, and SA20. By attracting more top talent, the ECB aims to elevate the tournament's profile and appeal.

These proposed reforms come as part of the ECB's strategy to attract potential investors, with the board recently initiating the sale of stakes in each of the eight Hundred franchises. The significant wage hikes and increased overseas player limits are anticipated to enhance the tournament's attractiveness, both for players and audiences.

The potential changes could also have a notable impact on the online cricket betting market. As The Hundred becomes more competitive and features star players, it may attract increased betting activity. Online cricket id and betting id platforms could expand their offerings during the tournament, creating new opportunities for bettors and generating additional revenue.

While these plans are still in the early stages and may not be fully implemented until 2026, the ECB is optimistic that these changes will revitalize The Hundred, making it a more compelling choice for players and fans alike.