English cricket open to IPL investment in Hundred

NOTTINGHAM: 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 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.