The ICC’s new Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2025-2029 marks a pivotal step forward in women’s cricket. With dedicated windows for franchise leagues like the Women’s Premier League (WPL), The Hundred, and WBBL, as well as an expanded ICC Women’s Championship that now includes Zimbabwe, the FTP creates a structured and inclusive schedule. Annual ICC events and the reintroduction of Test cricket for the West Indies ensure that women’s cricket continues to grow sustainably on the global stage.
TheHundred
GMR Group Hampshire’s new owners intend to pursue sole ownership of the Southampton-based Hundred franchise, the Southern Brave
Hampshire’s new owners, the GMR Group, have expressed interest in becoming the sole owners of Southern Brave, the Southampton-based team in The Hundred cricket competition, according to Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove.
GMR Group, which also co-owns the IPL team Delhi Capitals, completed its takeover of Hampshire after nearly a year of negotiations. This makes Hampshire the first English county club to be owned by an international franchise.
voting among MCC members on accepting a 51 percent share in the London Spirit franchise for the Hundred
he upcoming vote among MCC members on accepting a 51 percent share in the London Spirit franchise for the Hundred has stirred up mixed reactions. On paper, the offer sounds appealing. The MCC would gain a majority share at no cost, allowing them to have a say over future investors in the remaining 49 percent and, potentially, benefit financially. This financial gain could fund upgrades to the club’s facilities, such as the Tavern and Allen stands. If things don’t go as planned, the MCC could sell its stake, provided members agree. Meanwhile, other host clubs are offering similar stakes, with new investors expected to bring “fresh” money into the game. In this setup, each club would control its franchise while limiting financial risk due to the entity’s separate legal standing. According to the MCC, the only possible downside would be reputational risk, depending on the investors they align with.
Indian’s Ambanis Family, Chelsea director, and Glazers, want stakes in £650m Hundred teams
High-profile investors, including Chelsea’s Jonathan Goldstein, the Ambani family, and members of the Glazer family, are eyeing stakes in The Hundred cricket teams. With bids reaching record amounts, this interest signals a transformative moment for English cricket as the ECB plans to raise over £500 million. Investors are set to benefit from broadcast and ticket revenue, while counties could see financial health, ensuring the growth and stability of cricket across England
Monty Panesar Blames T20 Leagues for Lack of Spinners in England Due to The Hundred’s Schedule | Exclusive Interview
Former England spinner Monty Panesar attributes the decline in specialist spin bowlers in England to the rise of T20 leagues like The Hundred, which limits opportunities for spinners in the County Championship.