ECB chair says Hundred scheduling issues are price worth paying
ECB chair Richard Thompson defended The Hundred despite scheduling conflicts with other domestic competitions.
England and Wales Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson said scheduling issues caused by The Hundred are a price worth paying. The tournament creates fixture conflicts with other domestic and international commitments. Thompson acknowledged the disruption but maintained the competition's value outweighs the inconvenience.
The Hundred runs alongside the County Championship and affects player availability. Thompson's comments came during discussions about the 2027 domestic calendar. The ECB continues to balance franchise and traditional cricket demands.
The board faces ongoing pressure to resolve fixture clashes between its flagship competition and established formats. County clubs have raised concerns about player availability during The Hundred window.
CricHubb Take
Thompson's defence shows the ECB prioritises Hundred revenue over county cricket stability, with fixture congestion set to worsen rather than ease.