The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is considering investment from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to bolster The Hundred, a new cricket format, and enhance its financial stability.
The ECB is willing to sell a 49 percent stake in each team to private investors, with the host teams retaining 51 percent of the shares but having the option to sell part or all of their shares.
ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould emphasized that while they are open to investments, control at both team and competition levels will not be compromised.
He acknowledged the significant influence of the Indian market, which contributes about 90 percent of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) revenue. The spread of IPL teams into international markets is seen as a positive development.
Gould noted that IPL’s wealthy owners, like the Ambani family, might only be interested in full control of a team in The Hundred. “Control comes at different levels, it comes at the team level and it comes at competition level, that’s not something we are ceding control of. Different investor groups have different needs, for some, it is about control of what happens on the field, for others it’s the commercial element.” Gould stated.
Vikram Banerjee, the ECB’s director of business operations, confirmed that discussions are not limited to IPL owners but also include potential investors from American Football’s NFL.
“I would hope we have a level of partnerships with some IPL teams, I think that would be brilliant. They have done a great job and know cricket very well.” Banerjee stated.
He has had several meetings with IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL) owners, indicating significant interest. Banerjee expressed optimism about forming partnerships with IPL teams, recognizing their expertise in cricket.
Furthermore, the ECB has reached out to NFL owners, explaining cricket’s rules and potential for fan engagement and stadium experience enhancement.
This blend of cricket expertise and NFL fan engagement strategies is seen as a promising approach for The Hundred’s future.
