ECB to Introduce ‘100-ball’ cricket match

England is planing to introduce 100-ball cricket format in 2020, including a 10-ball over, an alternate option to t20 cricket. The 100 ball cricket format will be for men’s and women’s domestic game in 2020.

The 100 ball game will consist 15 six-ball overs and final over of 10 balls. The main motive of 100 ball cricket is to attract younger and women audience more.

ECB 100 ball competition will be a five-week competition, which will start in 2020. The venues for the competition are Birmingham, Cardiff , Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham and Southampton.

ECB’s chief executive Tom Harrison said, “This is a fresh and exciting idea which will appeal to a younger audience and attract new fans to the game.”

“Throughout its development, we have shown leadership, provided challenge and followed a process. We will continue to do that as the concept evolves.”

“Our game has a history of innovation and we have a duty to look for future growth for the health and sustainability of the whole game.”

“There are 18 first-class counties, playing red and white ball cricket, at our core and these counties and competitions will be supported, promoted and benefit from the game’s growth.”

The live coverage of 100 ball cricket will be aired by BBC and Sky Sports from 2020 to 2024.

MD of the new competition and ECB’s chief commercial officer, Sanjay Patel, said, “The development team has had strong support and encouragement in its conversations to date and it’s time to take the concept wider as we build the detail.”

“This is 100-ball cricket, a simple approach to reach a new generation. Based on 15 traditional six-ball overs,
the other ten balls will add a fresh tactical dimension.”

“Crucially, this will also help differentiate this competition from Vitality Blast and other T20 competitions worldwide, maintaining our game’s history of successful innovation.

“Our World Cup win at Lord’s last July showed what’s possible in terms of our sport reaching a new, younger and more diverse audience,” said, the ECB’s Director of Women’s Cricket, Clare Connor.

“To build the women’s and men’s competitions and identities together, side by side, is a prospect that few sports ever have and will give us greater reach, scale and prominence.”

“It will attract more women and girls to the game, ensure that cricket reaches and entertains more families
and give our players an exciting stage upon which to display their talent.”

“The players and our valuable broadcast partners under the new TV partnerships from 2020-24 are vital to the success of this competition and they will see the energy, excitement and simplicity of this approach.”

Let’s see how 100 ball cricket will give competition to t-20 cricket in future.