ECB Secures £520 Million from Sale of Hundred Franchises

Global investors, including IPL-linked groups, acquire stakes in The Hundred teams, marking a transformative moment for English cricket.

The Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sold 49% stakes in all eight teams of The Hundred, raising £520 million to be reinvested into the game.
Investors include four IPL franchise owners and U.S.-based groups, with the tournament's total valuation reaching £975 million.
Counties hosting Hundred teams retain 51% stakes, while non-host counties receive larger financial shares to support grassroots cricket and infrastructure.
Pakistani players will continue to feature in The Hundred despite IPL ownerships, but Indian players remain unavailable due to BCCI policies.
The ECB plans to use the funds to enhance player salaries, expand global appeal, and secure the tournament's future as a leading short-format competition.