ECB propose unique 100-ball-per-side format
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), on Thursday 19 April, proposed a unique approach for its new domestic city-based competition, which involves each team facing a maximum of 100 balls.
The eight-team tournament, to start in 2020, is set to feature concurrent competitions for men and women, with each side facing 15 overs of six balls and an additional 10 balls.
It is not yet clear how many overs a bowler can bowl, when these additional 10 balls will be delivered, and whether these extra deliveries can be bowled by one bowler or more.
The ECB presented the approach to the chairmen and chief executives of the first-class counties and MCC, and “received overwhelming support” by the board of the new competition.
The proposal, if it comes to fruition, will shorten cricket further – Twenty20 is currently the shortest format of the game, with each side allowed a maximum of 120 legal deliveries.
"This is a fresh and exciting idea which will appeal to a younger audience and attract new fans to the game," said Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive officer. “Throughout its development, we have shown leadership, provided challenge and followed a process. We will continue to do that as the concept evolves.
"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."
The ECB, in its statement, said it hoped to attract a wider, more “diverse and younger audience”, and differentiate the competition from existing Twenty20 leagues the world over, including the ECB’s own T20 Blast, featuring all 18 counties.
Sanjay Patel, the ECB’s chief commercial officer and the MD for the new competition, believed the additional 10 balls will provide a “fresh tactical dimension” to the game.
“This is 100-ball cricket, a simple approach to reach a new generation,” he said. “Based on fifteen traditional six-ball overs, the other 10 balls will add a fresh tactical dimension. Crucially, this will also help differentiate this competition from the Blast and other T20 competitions worldwide, maintaining our game’s history of successful innovation.”
The five-week competition comes as a further boost to women’s cricket, which has seen interest boom since England won the ICC Women’s World Cup in July last year.
Clare Connor, the ECB's director of women’s cricket, said the prospect of men’s and women’s game being played concurrently was something few sports would ever have.
“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," she said. “The 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.”