The Hundred tournament is a relatively new and exciting format in the world of cricket. Originating in England and Wales, this 100-ball cricket tournament is set to revolutionize the game. But where did this unique format come from? Let’s delve into the history and evolution of The Hundred, and how it has become one of the most anticipated tournaments in the cricket world.
The journey of The Hundred dates back to 2017, when the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced their plans to launch a new domestic cricket tournament. The idea behind it was to attract a new audience and make the sport more accessible to a wider audience. The tournament was originally introduced as a way to replace the Women’s Super League, but it soon expanded to include both men’s and women’s teams. The name ‘The Hundred’ was chosen as it is the number of balls bowled in each innings – a much shorter format than the traditional 50-over or T20 matches.
The Hundred tournament is not just about changing the number of balls bowled, but also introduces unique rule changes that make it even more intriguing. Each team consists of 15 players, with the teams being divided into two conferences – Northern and Southern. The most significant rule change is that each side will have a limited period of 100 balls to play, and each over