Reports: BCCI interested to come up with their own version of The Hundred

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is known as the richest cricket board across the world and has under its bag the most glamorous T20 league in the form of IPL. However, having so much wealth under its belt, the board still shows interest in the newest format of the game- The Hundred. ECB’s outgoing chairman Colin Graves has revealed the fact that too many boards especially, the BCCI, is showing a great inclination for The Hundred.

Graves told that BCCI has been in their constant touch to know more about the format. The latest format in the cricket world was set to kick off this year in July, but now stands postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hundred sees a team playing a maximum of 100 balls, where ends will change post every 10- deliveries. Bowlers will bowl either five or 10 consecutive deliveries and can deliver up to 20 maximum in the match. The 25-ball powerplay will see only two players outside the 30-yard circle.

Graves believe that the format is mainly targeted to ‘newer audience’ which mainly comprises of “women, children, families, which really had not come to cricket.” As per ECB, The Hundred hold the capacity to fetch revenues in “millions” that can be used to develop the grassroots game in the English country. Though the format has drawn a line setting world into two halves, several countries especially India is looking forward to the same.

India keen on The Hundred : Colin Graves

Graves told Sky Sports during the 3rd Test between England and Pakistan– “I know that some of the countries abroad, India in particular, are looking at their own. They have been talking to me about it for the last year on a regular basis. So around the world it has created a lot of excitement.”

Having said all that, BCCI is yet to comment officially on their plans of The Hundred. The BCCI also tried to modify the IPL and came up with a mini-IPL plan, but couldn’t execute due to a tight pack schedule in the international cricket calendar. With having enormous wealth in their bag, it will be a thing to see what will be BCCI’s take on The Hundred.