The Hundred, a 100-ball cricket competition launched in England in 2021, has faced criticism from Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi. Modi has labeled The Hundred a ‘big fat Ponzi scheme’, accusing the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) of unrealistic financial projections.
Modi specifically targeted the ECB’s projected growth in international television rights, arguing they appear ‘overly optimistic and disconnected from reality.’ He highlighted the global competition from other cricket leagues, like the IPL, which makes the projected figures for The Hundred seem improbable.
Modi, who previously offered to purchase The Hundred, believes the ECB is trying to entice current IPL owners into investing in a competition with little guarantee of success. He argues that the hype surrounding The Hundred is unfounded and the tournament lacks a solid foundation for its projected growth.
The ECB, however, maintains a positive outlook on The Hundred, stating that there is a high level of interest in the competition both domestically and globally. ECB chief executive Richard Gould dismissed Modi’s accusations, highlighting the significant interest from potential investors and the potential for The Hundred to provide long-term financial support for county cricket.
The Hundred has faced challenges in establishing itself as a major cricket event. It has been criticized for disrupting the traditional county structure and failing to resonate with a global audience. The competition’s future depends heavily on its ability to attract substantial investment and deliver on its projected financial success. The debate surrounding The Hundred’s financial projections and its long-term viability continues, adding another layer of intrigue to the ever-evolving world of cricket.
