Alright, cricketers, come close. Imagine Sam Billings lifting the golden ‘H’ above his head, the players rejoicing under the lights, and the crowds in ecstasy. But what you may have missed in the mayhem was something much more important that was happening behind the scenes. Behind the celebration, Surrey’s Steve Elworthy and billionaire Akash Ambani were quietly plotting The Hundred’s next chapter. The trophy lift wasn’t just an end to the tournament; it felt like the moment that the Hundred transitioned from being cricket’s experiment into a proper big-league competition. But, while the end of the tournament may have been the end of the Hundred’s teething process. It also signaled the start of something far more monumental. What is next for England’s biggest cricket venture yet?
From Incubation to Investment: The Real Turning Point
When the ECB instituted the Hundred, it ultimately was a significant risk—and not a negligible one—city-based, 100 balls, and divisive as hell. After five roller-coaster years and its fifth season having just been completed, it has firmly graduated. The entry of Reliance Jio through Akash Ambani into a collaborative venture with Surrey for the Oval Invincibles marks an important milestone in the franchise’s journey. We are taking a serious business mind and merging it with the passion of cricket, in which it is going to inject significant capital and vision. Perhaps MI London, perhaps something else—who knows? But the fact is that we are entering a period of teenage renaissance for the Hundred, off its scrappy charm, and into a high-stakes future.
Shake-Up Squad Style: A Mega-Auction, IPL Vibes, Redux
Let’s talk squads. The Invincibles’ domination—three titles in a row—is great for bragging rights, but it’s also painfully predictable. That’s not cricket chaos, that’s cricket monotony. Cue talk of a reset, like an IPL-style mega-auction. Imagine the drama, the trade whispers, the new faces landing under the lights. Jordan Cox (men’s MVP) gets the joke about Ambani rushing off to catch a flight— “Don’t worry,” he smirks—indicating that this isn’t just a show: this is business with flair. And yes, the salary cap will shake things up—some big names may stay, but the roster’s definitely on the move. This is cricket with a makeover plan, not just a new outfit.
Women’s Game: Still a “Two-for-One” or Lip Service?
It’s not just the men’s game that’s eye-catching; the women’s Hundred has grown in leaps—remember Davina Perrin’s 42-ball hundred in front of 13,600 fans? That’s the kind of moment you build leagues around. But there’s a real concern: Will these new investors treat the women’s teams as equal partners, or just shiny accessories? Banerjee insists it’s a “two-for-one” deal, but the silent worry in women’s cricket is that the sparkle might stick to the men. Still, with the double-header model staying for 2026 and crowds rising year-on-year, the momentum’s there—let’s just hope investment matches the hype equally for both sides.
FAQs
- Who are the new investors taking control of the Hundred franchises?
Surrey’s Steve Elworthy and Reliance Jio chairman Akash Ambani are taking operational control of the Oval Invincibles.
- Will the Hundred change its format in 2026?
No major format changes, like switching to T20, are expected until at least 2028 due to existing broadcast contracts.
- Is a rebrand expected for the Invincibles?
Yes, the team may be renamed “MI London” as part of the Mumbai Indians’ global network expansion.
