English domestic cricket is set to get yet another format after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced plans for an eight-team, 100-ball competition in the pursuit of younger, family-oriented audiences.
Under the proposals, unanimously backed by the ECB board, each side would face 15 six-ball overs, culminating in a final 10 deliveries — 20 balls shorter than traditional Twenty20 matches.
The latest format, which follows experiments with 40-, 50- and 60-over competitions, as well as four-day county championship matches and T20 contests, was presented to chairmen and chief executives of the county clubs and the MCC on Thursday.
It is due to launch in 2020.
“This is a fresh and exciting idea which will appeal to a younger audience and attract new fans to the game,” ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said.
“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.”
The ECB members voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new city-based competition last year, with matches to be played in a five-week window in the middle of the English summer.
Southampton, Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester, Cardiff and Nottingham have been selected as venues for the tournament, with Lord’s and the Oval each playing host to a London-based team.
The tournament will feature aligned competitions for both men’s and women’s teams sharing a common format, brands and team identities.
England bowler Stuart Broad told Sky Sports News: “I’m hugely optimistic, I love the fact that it’s different to all the other tournaments worldwide – 15 six-ball overs and then the pressure of a 10-ball over to finish.
Bakkies
Guest
Packer at least kept it simple andto one competition.
Johnno
Guest
Pro 40 failed as it was to in between of T-20 and 50-over cricket. It's so obvious the ICC and cricket boards around the world are killing test cricket as it's less money, but hay we fans can't force the ICC to care about test cricket or the youth for that matter the next Gen.. Well start investing in it more that might attract the youth.. 100-Ball cricket how boring and how un cricket..
AREH
Roar Guru
For the sake of 20 extra deliveries it makes zero sense. Totally unnecessary measure which I think achieves little
DaveJ
Guest
I see. 16.4 overs a side. A revolutionary breakthrough. Sure to make 20/20 looks fusty and old-hat being so different.
Tanmoy Kar
Guest
There was a 10 overs Cricket competition held recently in Canada with ex-superstars.
Peter
Roar Rookie
All this seeming desperation to make cricket more interesting to new people. I wonder how long these people will stay. Where will the BBL be in a few years? Will people start getting a bit bored of these increasingly predictable games and more thinly spread talent?
Paul
Roar Guru
dunno about that Josh. What was that effort the AFL came up with earlier this year - AFLX? That was pretty wacky for sure.
Jackpott
Guest
Why not go back to the eight ball over. 15 overs of 8 balls equals 120 balls. We can save time changing between ends.
josh
Roar Rookie
ECB are the home of wacky ideas.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Cricket let the marketing department take the running of the game during Packers time. Marketing will always look for the next gimmick instead of showing faith in the game itself.
Paul
Roar Guru
I think for kids this might be a great idea, but not for adults.
Worried
Guest
Just another gimmic! Yet another example of how desperate Cricket has become in its attempt to stay relevant.