Almanac Cricket: Media Release from the England and Wales Cricket Board regarding ‘The Hundred’
Almanacker and passionate cricket follower, Citrus Bob Utber, has forwarded the following information from the ECB detailing information about a new cricket format commencing in the UK over their coming summer.
THE HUNDRED
The Hundred is an action-packed, unmissable new 100 ball cricket
competition that will put you on the edge of your seat. Taking place in
summer 2020, the competition aims to grow the game and everyone is
invited.
Featuring world-class players and homegrown talent, the eight brand new
city-based women’s and men’s teams will compete over five weeks every
summer (17 July – 15 Aug 2020), with both competitions running
side-by-side.
For the latest news and priority access to tickets visit thehundred.com
The Hundred has announced that it will offer women and men equal
prizemoney for the inaugural competition this summer.
The total prize budget of £600,000 will be split 50/50 between the
men’s and women’s competitions and is a step towards the ECB’s
long-term commitment to making cricket a gender-balanced sport.
The Hundred is an action-packed, unmissable new 100 ball cricket
competition that will put you on the edge of your seat. Taking place in
the summer holidays, the competition aims to attract a broader, more
diverse audience to grow the game.
Featuring world-class players and homegrown talent, the eight brand new
city-based women’s and men’s teams will compete over five weeks each
year (17 July – 15 Aug 2020), with both competitions running
side-by-side.
Beth Barrett-Wild, head of The Hundred women’s competition said_:
“We’re really proud of our movement towards making cricket a
gender-balanced sport and whilst we’re aware there is more to do in
this space, this is an important step in the right direction. It’s
recognition for the women’s players and the huge value they bring to
The Hundred. _
_“The ECB is committed to transforming women’s and girls’ cricket,
from inspiring young girls to pick up a bat for the first time, through
to establishing the women’s game as a professional career option. This
announcement today represents one signal of intent towards that
commitment.”_
Heather Knight, captain of London Spirit women’s team adds: _“This
is a great announcement for women’s sport. Women’s professional
cricket is on an exciting journey and whilst there is still a way to go
to realise gender parity, this move from The Hundred is a significant
step in the right direction. We’re all really excited about playing in
the new competition and hopefully inspiring more young girls and boys to
pick up a bat and ball.”_
A special priority window for tickets to standalone women’s matches in
The Hundred will be available from 9-16 March. For more information on
The Hundred and to sign up for priority tickets, visit thehundred.com
THE ECB’S WOMEN & GIRLS’ ACTION PLAN
We have created a comprehensive ten-point action plan that aims to
transform all elements of women’s and girls’ cricket in England and
Wales to increase engagement, grow representation and improve
opportunities across the game.
An unprecedented £20m of funding will be invested over the next two
years, with an ambition of investing £50m over the five years, to
enable organisations across the cricket network to recruit more
dedicated resources, improve the player experience, and increase the
opportunities to build careers in the sport.
Another ground-breaking commitment is the funding of 40 full-time
professional, domestic contracts. These contracts will be in addition to
the existing England Women centrally contracted players.
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At 86 years of age Citrus Bob is doing what he has always done since growing up on a small farm at Lang Lang. Talking, watching and writing sport and in recent years writing books. He lives in Mildura with his very considerate wife (Jenny) and a groodle named ‘Chloe on Flinders’ and can be found at Deakin 27 every day.
I note that Cricket Australia have already suggested that those selected for the national team may have to come home early from the 100 to train at camp.