Indian businessman Lalit Modi reportedly made a proposal to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) not too long ago. The plan, which calls for a total overhaul of The Hundred, may significantly increase the ECB’s revenue.
In accordance with the T20 format, the ECB initiated the event in 2021. Modi’s proposal for the same entails a USD 1 billion income guarantee for the ECB and a USD 100 million purse for the players spread over ten years.
Speaking of a 10-team competition, Modi suggested that the IPL franchises play a very small role, meaning that the league will be largely English-dominated. Modi told “I have only proposed two IPL teams; it has to be an English league and not India-dominated.”
It’s also important to remember that the ECB wanted to include private investors in its organisation. The ECB would only take Lalit Modi’s suggestion under consideration following conversation with the Indian board, though, as a result of his lifelong suspension from the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).
“The ECB is not required to contact the BCCI because it is an independent and sovereign organisation, but it may do so for the benefit of their bilateral relationship because the BCCI is treating Modi like a pariah. Even if it stays away from mentioning [his] name, it nonetheless thrives on his idea. During the IPL, no commentator ever uses his name, according to a reliable source.
The same plan may see further development because IPL teams like Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad have expressed interest in making investments in the English league. The proprietors of SRH have reportedly been in talks with ECB representatives, according to a source with Sun TV Network. A decision on the subject may be made in April, when the game is anticipated to be privatised in the UK.
Also Read: MLC, The Hundred overlap causes headaches as committed players strive to converge
A final decision has not yet been made, although GMR Group—part owners of the Delhi Capitals—is also rumoured to be in discussions with Hampshire County.