ECB set to introduce a new format of cricket

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) having developed and introduced the Twenty20 format of the game is once again working on a new version. ECB has a new plan for a domestic tournament with 8 teams that will be rolled out in 2020. The Chairmen and Chief Executives of the First-Class Counties and MCC were presented with the proposal today. To make it exciting even beyond T20s, ECB wants it to be a match with 100 balls to play for each team.

The league will feature both men’s and women’s teams and will be played in the same format. The idea was well received at the meeting and there was unanimous support for the board members. ECB has named the new form Cricket Unleashed, their objective with this initiative is to attract a wider audience to watch the sport. The shorter format has a much better connection with the younger lot and they want families to enjoy it together.

For the sake of better promotion the format, the board has decided upon a five-week window and will feature the games at major venues and will also be promoted across Sky and BBC.

ECB officials are excited about it

ECB’s Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison said: “This is a fresh and exciting idea which will appeal to a younger audience and attract new fans to the game. Throughout its development, we have shown leadership, provided challenge and followed a process. We will continue to do that as the concept evolves.”

“We have a duty to look for future growth for the health and sustainability of the whole game,” he was quoted by ecb.co.uk.

ECB CEO 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. There are 18 First-Class Counties, playing red and white ball cricket, at our core and these Counties and competitions will be supported, promoted and benefit from the game’s growth.”

ECB Chief Commercial Officer, Sanjay Patel, MD for the new competition, said: “The development team has had strong support and encouragement in its conversations to date and it’s time to take the concept wider as we build the detail. This is 100-ball cricket, a simple approach to reach a new generation.”

ECB Chief Commercial Officer Sanjay Patel said: “This is 100-ball cricket, a simple approach to reach a new generation. Based on 15 traditional six-ball overs, the other ten balls will add a fresh tactical dimension.

“Crucially, this will also help differentiate this competition from Vitality Blast and other T20 competitions worldwide, maintaining our game’s history of successful innovation.

“The players and our valuable broadcast partners under the new TV partnerships from 2020-24 are vital to the success of this competition and they will see the energy, excitement and simplicity of this approach.”

Clare Connor CBE, Director of Women’s Cricket at ECB, said: “Our World Cup win at Lord’s last July showed what’s possible in terms of our sport reaching a new, younger and more diverse audience.

“Kia Super League has had a huge impact on participation, player development and the profile of our game. It was a big investment and a bold decision by the Board and paved the way for this next stage of growth.

“To build the women’s and men’s competitions and identities together, side by side, is a prospect that few sports ever have and will give us greater reach, scale and prominence.

“It will attract more women and girls to the game, ensure that cricket reaches and entertains more families and give our players an exciting stage upon which to display their talent.”

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