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Ali Maiden Appointed Head Coach of Birmingham Phoenix Women for 2025 Hundred Season

Ali Maiden Appointed Head Coach of Birmingham Phoenix Women for 2025 Hundred Season

By November 8, 2024 0

Ali Maiden has been appointed as the head coach of the Birmingham Phoenix women’s team for the 2025 season of The Hundred. Maiden succeeds Ben Sawyer, whose contract was not extended after four seasons at the helm.

Maiden, who played a pivotal role as assistant coach in England Women’s World Cup triumph in 2017, brings a wealth of experience to the Phoenix. He was part of the London Spirit coaching staff that guided the team to the women’s Hundred title in the summer. In August, he was named head coach of Bears Women, having previously served as batting coach at Yorkshire.

“Ali joins the Phoenix with extensive experience in the women’s game, both internationally and in franchise cricket,” said Craig Flindall, Birmingham Phoenix general manager. “He was chosen as the new Bears Women head coach after a thorough selection process, which demonstrates his high caliber.”

“2025 is a significant year of transition for the Phoenix, with new investors expected to join next year. We are confident that Ali will guide us through this period as we aim to reclaim our position at the top of the table,” Flindall added. “We extend our gratitude to Ben for his contributions during his five years with Phoenix Women and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Birmingham Phoenix also announced that Dan Vettori will continue as head coach of the men’s team for 2025.

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The Hundred Embarks on Franchise Sale to Attract Private Investment

The Hundred Embarks on Franchise Sale to Attract Private Investment

By October 18, 2024 0

The Hundred, England’s innovative 100-ball cricket tournament, is poised to undergo a significant transformation as it embarks on a three-round bidding process to attract private investment through the sale of franchises. The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has received expressions of interest from over a hundred parties, including high-profile individuals and established cricket franchises.

Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds, co-owner of Wrexham football club, has expressed interest in acquiring the Welsh Fire team. Nine Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, including Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders, are also keen on securing a stake in The Hundred.

Mumbai Indians, known for their global expansion strategy, have been in discussions with both The Lord’s (London Spirit) and The Oval (Oval Invincibles). The GMR group, co-owners of the Delhi Capitals, are interested in the Southern Brave franchise after their recent acquisition of Hampshire Cricket.

Birmingham (Birmingham Phoenix) and Leeds (Northern Superchargers) are attracting interest due to their strong Indian diaspora. Rajasthan Royals, co-owned by Manoj Badale, who is based in England, is also expected to make a bid.

Lucknow Supergiants owner Sanjeev Goenka is in talks with Avram Glazer, a shareholder in Manchester United and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who is seeking a stake in The Hundred.

The ECB’s decision to privatize The Hundred is aimed at raising investment and ensuring its long-term financial sustainability. The bidding process is expected to provide clarity on the level of Indian involvement in the tournament, as several IPL franchises are eager to expand their global presence.

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Hundred Franchise Sale Attracts Wide Range of Investors, ECB Defends Valuations

Hundred Franchise Sale Attracts Wide Range of Investors, ECB Defends Valuations

By October 17, 2024 0

The Hundred, England’s new 100-ball cricket competition, has attracted a wider range of potential investors than anticipated ahead of Friday’s first-round deadline for bids. The ECB’s senior leadership team expressed confidence in the Hundred’s projected valuations, particularly the overseas broadcast rights, which are expected to jump from £2 million per year to £33 million by 2030.

The ECB sent investment prospectuses to around 100 interested parties last month, who were given until October 18 to register their initial interest in buying a stake in one of the eight Hundred teams. The teams are currently owned by the ECB but will become franchises run as joint-ventures with host counties once the sale process is complete.

ECB chief executive Richard Gould and chair Richard Thompson defended the projected increase in revenue from Indian broadcast rights, despite concerns raised by some prospective investors. Gould emphasized that the ECB is not assuming that Indian men’s players will be released to participate in the Hundred, but remains confident in the product’s appeal.

“We are confident in our product, in terms of the window we occupy and the players we’ve got available,” Gould said. “There are loads of T20 and short-format franchise competitions out there at the moment, and I don’t think they are all going to last, in truth.”

Gould revealed that “about 100 or so” interested parties had requested access to the ECB’s “data room,” including significant interest from India, America, and other sports and investment houses. He added that the ECB is aiming to maximize the value of the franchises while ensuring that the game’s interests are protected.

“We’re getting towards the end of stage one this week… at the moment, they can express an interest in all eight clubs,” Gould said. “We’ll have a better indication over the next week or two. Thereafter, we’ll spend a month or so going through those. At the end of that process, they will be able to go and meet the county clubs and see where their relationships work best.”

Thompson emphasized that the investment base for the Hundred is “way broader and bigger” than expected, with Raine Group initially estimating three to four bidders per team. However, the ECB is not rushing the sale process and may consider a “hybrid” model in 2025, with some teams still owned by the ECB and others by private investors.

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Lalit Modi Slams ECB’s Hundred Projections as “Disconnected from Reality”

By September 26, 2024 0

Lalit Modi, the visionary behind the Indian Premier League (IPL), has cast doubt on the financial viability of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) Hundred tournament. In a scathing post on social media, Modi leaked confidential financial projections and team valuations, accusing the ECB of being “disconnected from reality.”

Modi’s intervention comes as the ECB seeks private investment for the Hundred, which has faced delays in securing equity sales. Despite Modi’s initial interest in the tournament, he now dismisses the ECB’s projections as “dangerously overambitious and unsustainable.”

Modi acknowledges the potential growth of the ECB’s domestic TV rights but questions the Hundred’s international appeal. He argues that the tournament faces stiff competition from established leagues like the IPL, Caribbean Premier League, and Major League Cricket.

“The Hundred’s teams are projected to be worth a mere £5 million to £25 million in the best-case scenario,” Modi wrote. “Worse still, it struggles to match even the Caribbean Premier League’s profitability.”

Modi’s criticism is significant as he played a pivotal role in revolutionizing T20 cricket with the IPL. The IPL’s media rights recently fetched a record US$6.2 billion, making it the world’s second-most valuable sports league on a per-game basis.

The ECB has anticipated pushback on its financial projections but points to Modi’s previous interest as proof of concept. However, Modi’s latest comments raise concerns about the Hundred’s long-term viability.

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Private Investment in The Hundred May Extend Beyond 2025

Private Investment in The Hundred May Extend Beyond 2025

By September 25, 2024 0

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is seeking private investment for its Hundred franchises, but the process may extend beyond the initial target of 2025. Vikram Banerjee, director of business operations at the ECB, emphasized the importance of finding the right partners and valuations.

Each of the eight hosting counties holds a 51% stake, with the remaining 49% available for sale by the ECB. The proceeds will be distributed among first-class counties, Marylebone Cricket Club, and the recreational game.

The ECB is collaborating with host venues to assess potential investors, including GMR Group, which has expressed interest in acquiring Hampshire’s stake in Southern Brave. However, the governing body has warned Hampshire that it could lose its stake if GMR does not pay a fair market price.

The ECB has received promising interest from investors, including those from India and the US. The board seeks buyers who can contribute expertise in global engagement, sporting operations, and in-ground experience.

While the plan is to announce investments by early 2025, Banerjee acknowledged that the process could take longer. He did not rule out a partial sale, but believes the current level of interest suggests that all teams will find suitable partners.

London Spirit is expected to be the most sought-after franchise due to its prestigious venue, Lord’s. However, the ECB will not rush into a decision and will hold onto teams if the right partners are not found.

The Hundred’s current media rights are fixed until 2028, and a salary cap ensures a level playing field. Expansion of the competition to include additional teams is unlikely before 2029, as the ECB wants to assess the growth and sustainability of the tournament.

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Lancashire Seeks IPL Partnership for Manchester Originals in The Hundred

Lancashire Seeks IPL Partnership for Manchester Originals in The Hundred

By August 21, 2024 0

Lancashire County Cricket Club is actively seeking a partnership with an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise to jointly operate the Manchester Originals franchise in The Hundred from 2025 onwards. The club has been actively engaging with potential investors over the past month, with the ECB set to distribute prospectuses for the sale of stakes in each of the eight Hundred teams early next month.

Lancashire’s interest in partnering with an IPL franchise stems from its strategic focus on growing its profile in India. The club has organized pre-season tours for both men’s and women’s teams, played friendlies against teams affiliated with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and signed Indian players such as Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, and Venkatesh Iyer as overseas players.

As the owners of Emirates Old Trafford, Lancashire will receive a 51% stake in Manchester Originals as part of the Hundred’s sale process. The club has emphasized its preference for a “sporting partner” rather than a purely financial investor. Chief executive Daniel Gidney expressed the club’s desire to work with an IPL franchise, citing the potential opportunities for both parties.

“Our preference is a partner who will partner with us on cricket, who can really help us grow our cricket, and clearly we have a strong interest in India,” Gidney said. “We’d love to work with an IPL, of course, because of the opportunities that would bring – both for us and for them… our pathway is the best in the country, and so is our medical staff.”

The ECB is overseeing the sale of stakes, with the Raine Group and Deloitte acting as financial advisors. However, Lancashire will play an active role in selecting a partner. The club has hosted officials from several IPL franchises, including Lucknow Super Giants, during the Hundred.

The two London Hundred franchises, London Spirit and Oval Invincibles, are expected to command the highest valuations, followed by Manchester Originals and Birmingham Phoenix. Gidney emphasized the value proposition of Manchester Originals, stating that the club offers the best value for investment.

“As I’ve said to different people from that part of the world, the first round is being run by the ECB, so you need to get your number up,” Gidney said. “If you want an ego and to pay a lot of money, then London is your gig. There’ll be loads of people that want London, but there’s only two teams, and one of those only wants a passive investor so it narrows your choice down. Outside of that, I said to people: ‘If you want cheap, we are not it. If you want the best value, we are it.”

Gidney also suggested that the ECB consider increasing the number of overseas players per team in the Hundred from three to four, as well as implementing a revised draft system that would allow for more “local heroes” in Hundred squads.

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The Hundred: Mixed Results in Fourth Season, Future Uncertain

The Hundred: Mixed Results in Fourth Season, Future Uncertain

By August 19, 2024 0

The Hundred, the ECB’s flagship T20 competition, has completed its fourth season, albeit with mixed results. While the women’s tournament continues to thrive, the men’s competition has faced challenges, including declining scoring rates and crowd numbers.

The ECB’s main goal for the 2024 season is to consolidate the Hundred’s position and prove its concept. They hope to attract investors for hospitality suites during the finals weekend, despite the competition’s overall decline in attendance.

Official figures show a 7% drop in ticket sales, with most of the decline occurring outside of London. Lord’s and The Oval accounted for nearly half of the Hundred’s total attendance, highlighting the importance of these venues.

Despite the challenges, the ECB remains optimistic about the Hundred’s future. They cite record-breaking attendances at women’s fixtures and believe the competition has significantly boosted the women’s game.

The cricket itself has been a mixed bag. The men’s competition suffered from clashes with other tournaments and the absence of key players like Jos Buttler. A decline in scoring rates, due to swing-friendly balls and heavy investment in bowling, has also been a concern.

However, the success of Oval Invincibles, who have won back-to-back titles, has provided a positive narrative for the men’s tournament. In the women’s game, Welsh Fire’s resurgence and Southern Brave’s struggles have added intrigue.

The Hundred’s overlap with Major League Cricket led to some farcical one-match signings, such as Mohammad Amir’s brief appearance. However, the women’s competition has proven that investment can attract top players, with Meg Lanning and Ash Gardner making their Hundred debuts.

Despite the presence of overseas stars, the quality of domestic players remains crucial for the Hundred’s success. England player availability is also important, and Ben Stokes’ injury was a significant setback.

The imminent sale of the Hundred’s franchises means the future of the competition is uncertain. However, the ECB is confident that the Hundred can achieve its goals of accelerating the growth of the women’s game and attracting new fans to cricket.

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Oval Invincibles Retain Hundred Title with Mahmood's Devastating Spell

Oval Invincibles Retain Hundred Title with Mahmood’s Devastating Spell

By August 19, 2024 0

Oval Invincibles emerged victorious in the Hundred final at Lord’s, defeating Southern Brave by 17 runs. Saqib Mahmood’s devastating spell of reverse-swing proved pivotal, as he claimed three wickets in seven balls to dismantle the Brave’s chase.

The Invincibles, boasting the Hundred’s most prolific spin attack, had earlier posted a competitive 147 for 9. Will Jacks’ blistering 37 off 22 balls set the tone, while Sam Curran and Jordan Cox contributed valuable runs. However, Akeal Hosein’s three wickets and Tymal Mills’ economical spell kept the Brave in the hunt.

Southern Brave began their chase brightly, with Alex Davies scoring 35 off 23 balls. But Mahmood’s introduction changed the game. He removed Leus du Plooy, Kieron Pollard, and Laurie Evans in quick succession, leaving the Brave reeling at 113 for 5.

Despite Chris Jordan’s valiant effort, the Brave fell short as Adam Zampa cleaned him up. The Invincibles’ victory marked their second consecutive Hundred title, matching the achievement of their women’s team in 2021-22.

Mahmood’s performance served as a timely reminder of his talent and could potentially earn him a recall to the England squad for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Australia. The Invincibles’ success is a testament to their balanced team, built around all-rounders and a strong spin attack.

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Deepti Sharma's Six Seals The Hundred Women's Title for London Spirit

Deepti Sharma’s Six Seals The Hundred Women’s Title for London Spirit

By August 18, 2024 0

Deepti Sharma’s Heroics Lead London Spirit to The Hundred Women’s Title

In a thrilling finale at Lord’s, Deepti Sharma’s match-winning six propelled London Spirit to a four-wicket victory over Welsh Fire Women, securing their maiden The Hundred Women’s title.

Chasing a modest target of 116, London Spirit faced a stern test after losing six wickets for 110 runs. However, Deepti remained unfazed, guiding her team to victory with an unbeaten 16 off 16 balls.

Earlier, Welsh Fire Women had posted a competitive 115-8, thanks to Tammy Beaumont’s 21 off 16 and Jess Jonassen’s 54 off 41. London Spirit’s bowlers, led by Tara Norris and Sarah Glenn, kept the pressure on, restricting Welsh Fire to a manageable total.

As the chase reached its climax, London Spirit needed 11 runs from the last 12 balls. Deepti, who had already contributed with the ball by taking 1-23, stepped up with the bat. Her calculated shots and composure ensured that London Spirit stayed on track.

With 4 runs needed off 3 balls, Deepti displayed nerves of steel, launching Hayley Matthews’ delivery over the boundary to seal the victory. Her six not only won the match but also capped off an incredible tournament for the all-rounder.

London Spirit’s innings saw several key contributions, with captain Heather Knight’s 24 off 18 and Georgia Redmayne’s 34 off 32 providing a solid foundation. However, it was Deepti’s finishing touch that stole the show.

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Southern Brave Triumph in Super Five Thriller, Reach Hundred Final

Southern Brave Triumph in Super Five Thriller, Reach Hundred Final

By August 18, 2024 0

In a thrilling Super Five contest at the Kia Oval, Southern Brave emerged victorious over Birmingham Phoenix, securing their place in the Hundred final at Lord’s.

Southern Brave’s innings was anchored by James Vince’s 43 and Leus du Plooy’s 39. Chris Jordan’s late heroics, including two sixes in the final set bowled by Sean Abbott, proved crucial.

Birmingham Phoenix’s chase started slowly, but contributions from Moeen Ali and Jacob Bethell kept them in contention. Liam Livingstone’s 55 off 34 balls seemed to have put Phoenix on the brink of victory, but his dismissal in the final set and some late drama saw the scores level at 126 apiece.

In the Super Five, Livingstone fell first ball to Jofra Archer, leaving Phoenix needing 7 from 3 balls. Jordan’s 10 runs from 3 balls, including a slice of luck on his first delivery, sealed the victory for Southern Brave.

Archer, who was named Meerkat Match Hero, expressed relief after his match-winning performance. He praised the depth of talent in the Southern Brave squad, stating that “the team has so much talent it doesn’t matter what team we put out there.”

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