English Cricket Open To IPL Investment In The Hundred
English cricket chiefs confirmed on Monday they have held talks with Indian Premier League (IPL) owners about acquiring a stake in their domestic Hundred competition. The fourth edition of the controversial 100-balls per side tournament, which features eight specially created teams -- each with a men's and women's side -- rather than the traditional 18 first-class English counties, starts on Tuesday. Its future remains uncertain, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) looking to secure private investment in a bid to cement its position in the global calendar and boost the finances of the domestic game. The ECB are trying to balance a desire for a cash injection while retaining control of the Hundred by selling off a 49 percent stake in each team to private investors, with host teams retaining the remaining 51 percent of shares.
