Could we soon see Indian cricket stars competing in England’s The Hundred? Lancashire’s CEO certainly hopes so. In a move that could shake up the global cricket landscape, Lancashire has expressed openness to the idea of selling a stake in The Hundred to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The goal? Unlocking access to Indian players for the tournament.
What Is The Hundred and Why Does It Matter?
The Hundred is a fast-paced cricket tournament launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2021. It features eight city-based teams competing in a unique 100-ball format. The idea was to create an easy-to-follow, entertaining alternative to traditional formats—sort of like cricket meets T20 on even more caffeine.
While the league has had its share of success, it’s still looking for ways to grow its global appeal. Right now, one big obstacle stands in the way: no Indian cricketers are participating.
Why Aren’t Indian Players in The Hundred?
Simple: The BCCI doesn’t allow its contracted players to play in foreign franchise leagues. Their goal is to protect the brand of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and maintain control over Indian player participation worldwide.
That means top stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill are off-limits for leagues like The Hundred, Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), and others.
What’s Lancashire Suggesting?
Lancashire CEO Daniel Gidney has floated a game-changing idea: give the BCCI an ownership stake in The Hundred. In return, Indian players might be allowed to participate. It’s sort of like inviting someone into your house and handing them the remote—because you really want them to stay and play with you.
During an interview, Gidney said he’d fully support the ECB selling a stake in the competition to BCCI or any of its affiliated IPL franchises if it meant Indian cricketers would be available to play. It’s a bold move, but it could be a clever one.
Here’s what Gidney proposed:
- Open up ownership of The Hundred teams or the league structure to foreign investors (IPL owners, BCCI, etc.).
- Use investment funds to modernize and grow the league.
- In return, secure Indian talent to participate in the tournament.
According to Gidney, including Indian players would increase global viewership significantly. Think about it—India has a fan base of more than a billion people. If even a portion of them start watching The Hundred, the tournament’s popularity could skyrocket.
Why the BCCI Might Say Yes (Or No)
Now, here comes the million-dollar question: Would the BCCI actually go for it? Historically, the BCCI has been firm about keeping its players within Indian borders when it comes to franchise cricket. However, money talks. And mutual benefits could open the door—just a crack at first, maybe enough to get a conversation started.
Offering the BCCI a stake could act like a peace offering, showing respect and business opportunity at the same time. Plus, with more Indian fans following the Hundred, more sponsorship money could be on the table. That’s a win-win, right?
Global Cricket Is Changing Fast
In recent years, we’ve seen IPL investors expanding their empires. They now own teams in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), South Africa’s SA20, and UAE’s ILT20. It’s like a cricket version of Monopoly where everyone’s trying to grab real estate around the board.
Lancashire doesn’t want to get left behind. Gidney acknowledged that professional sports are becoming more global and that English cricket may need to adapt to stay competitive. Selling a stake to foreign investors may help The Hundred become a true international event with worldwide appeal.
What Could This Mean for Fans?
Imagine watching a Hundred match where Jasprit Bumrah bowls the opening over, Rishabh Pant is behind the stumps, and KL Rahul is smashing sixes into the crowd at Old Trafford. That’s not just fantasy—it could be the future.
If Indian players join the league:
- Bigger TV deals (especially in India)
- More fans in stadiums and online
- Better sponsorships and merchandise sales
- Stronger competition among global players
At the same time, fans in India would get to watch their favorite players in different conditions and formats. It could foster a wider love for cricket beyond just the IPL.
What Challenges Lie Ahead?
Of course, there are hurdles. The ECB and counties will need to agree on governance, revenue sharing, and control. Not everyone in English cricket is thrilled with the idea of foreign ownership, especially involving the BCCI, which already holds massive sway in world cricket.
Plus, Indian players’ tight international schedules and workload management could become issues. Even if the BCCI says yes, would players be available? And when?
Final Thoughts – Could This Be Cricket’s Next Big Step?
The idea of BCCI owning a stake in The Hundred is still just that—an idea. But it’s a compelling one. As cricket becomes more commercial, global collaboration might be the only way forward. Lancashire’s proposal is not merely about selling equity. It’s about opening doors—for players, fans, and the future of the game.
So, will we ever see Indian stars light up The Hundred? Time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—the game is evolving, and everyone’s watching.