Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Will auctioning The Hundred teams save English cricket?

In an effort to capitalise on The Hundred’s success, Richard Thompson, chairman of the ECB,  initiated the process of auctioning 49 per cent stakes in each of the teams.

Haris Rauf of Welsh Fire celebrates with team-mates after claiming the wicket of Alex Davies of Southern Brave during The Hundred match between Welsh Fire Men and Southern Brave Men at Sophia Gardens on August 05, 2024 in Cardiff. (Photo: Getty Images)
Haris Rauf of Welsh Fire celebrates with team-mates after claiming the wicket of Alex Davies of Southern Brave during The Hundred match between Welsh Fire Men and Southern Brave Men at Sophia Gardens on August 05, 2024 in Cardiff. (Photo: Getty Images)

RICHARD Thompson, chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), recently reflected on the complexities of English cricket while observing Lord's famous slope. As English cricket faces financial challenges, Thompson’s latest plan aims to shore up the sport’s finances by auctioning stakes in The Hundred teams.

Many county teams are struggling financially, despite the ECB generating £320 million annually from TV rights and other commercial deals, according to The Times. Of this, £120 million goes to county teams, but several still face financial difficulty. Rod Bransgrove, the outgoing Hampshire team owner, questioned whether there should be such financial trouble when England games bring in so much revenue.


Inspired by the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL), The Hundred was launched three years ago. The 100-ball format, which features eight county teams, was created to attract new audiences, including women and families. It has proven successful, with growing TV audiences and significant financial contributions to the county game. Women’s matches have also gained popularity, surpassing viewership for the EFL Championship.

In an effort to capitalise on The Hundred’s success, Thompson initiated the process of auctioning 49 per cent stakes in each of the teams. The move could raise between £152 million and £381 million, depending on the level of interest from private equity firms, US sports conglomerates, and Indian investors, reported the newspaper.

Earlier this year, IPL founder Lalit Modi offered the ECB £763 million to host an IPL-style competition in England, although the proposal was rejected. However, it spurred the ECB to explore alternative financial options. Thompson decided to pursue the sale of The Hundred’s teams instead of selling the competition itself.

Raine, a merchant bank that facilitated the sale of Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester United, is overseeing the auction. Thompson was initially expecting interest from 40-50 parties, but 100 potential buyers have already come forward, reported The Times. However, Lalit Modi criticised the ECB’s revenue projections, calling them unrealistic. He believes that the key to higher revenues lies in attracting Indian players, though current rules prevent them from playing in overseas leagues.

Thompson remains optimistic, believing IPL ownership in The Hundred could unlock access to Indian talent. He also emphasised the positive impact of The Hundred on women’s cricket, describing it as "seminal and transformational." Despite criticism from traditional cricket fans, Thompson insists the game must adapt to secure its financial future.

More For You

Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher arrives for the special screening of Oasis documentary "Supersonic"

Getty Images

Liam Gallagher apologises for racial slur after backlash as Oasis reunion tour kicks off

Quick highlights:

  • Liam Gallagher issued an apology after using a racial slur in a now-deleted social media post.
  • The offensive post appeared just days before Oasis kicked off their reunion tour in Cardiff.
  • Fans criticised the singer on X, prompting him to clarify it was unintentional.
  • Oasis will perform over 40 shows globally, starting 5 July in Wales.

Liam Gallagher has apologised for using a racial slur in a post on X, as Oasis reunites for their first tour in 15 years. The singer shared a one-word reply on Monday that included a derogatory term aimed at East Asian people. Though he quickly deleted it, screenshots circulated online, sparking widespread criticism.

In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Gallagher wrote: “Sorry if I offended anyone with my tweet before it wasn’t intentional you know I love you all and I do not discriminate. Peace and love LG x.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Corbyn- Zarah Sultana

Zarah Sultana with Jeremy Corbyn during a protest outside Downing Street demanding the UK government to stop all arms sales to Israel. (Photo: X/@zarahsultana)

X/@zarahsultana

Zarah Sultana leaves Labour, plans new party with Corbyn and independents

FORMER Labour MP Zarah Sultana has announced her resignation from the party and plans to launch a new political party alongside ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and other independent MPs and activists.

Sultana, who represents Coventry South, lost the Labour whip last year for supporting the removal of the two-child benefit cap.

Keep ReadingShow less
Human brain continues forming neurons

Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons form in the brain

iStock

Human brain continues forming neurons well into old age, study finds

Key points

  • New neurons continue forming in the brain’s hippocampus into old age
  • Study confirms presence of neural progenitor cells in adults
  • DNA carbon dating and single-nucleus RNA sequencing were used
  • Research shows variation in neuron production between individuals
  • Findings could aid treatments for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders

Human brain shows ongoing neuron formation into older age

A new study has confirmed that the human brain continues to produce new nerve cells well into late adulthood, challenging previous assumptions about age-related decline in neurogenesis. The findings, published in the journal Science, provide fresh insight into how adaptable the brain remains over a lifetime.

Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons form in the brain, is known to occur in the hippocampus — a region involved in memory. While previous research has suggested that this process continues throughout life, there has been limited concrete evidence of the presence of neural progenitor cells in the adult brain.

Keep ReadingShow less
 Michael Madsen

Michael Madsen’s top 10 unforgettable movie roles

Getty Images

10 iconic Michael Madsen roles that made him Hollywood’s ultimate tough guy

Quick highlights:

  • Michael Madsen was known for blending menace with vulnerability across a 200-film career.
  • His breakout role as Mr Blonde in Reservoir Dogs remains one of the most iconic villains in cinema.
  • Roles in Kill Bill and Donnie Brasco cemented his status as a cult favourite and Tarantino regular.
  • He also surprised audiences with emotional performances in Free Willy and Thelma & Louise.

Some actors chase stardom. Michael Madsen wasn’t one of them. He didn’t charm you with a smile; he unnerved you with a stare. His voice wasn’t smooth; it was gravel scraped over concrete. He played men who lived in the shadows, spoke in grunts or chillingly calm threats, and carried violence like a familiar tool. But damn, when he was on screen, you couldn’t look away.

Madsen didn’t act tough; he was tough, and not in the movie-star sense. In a real, broken, beautiful way. These 10 roles aren’t just career highlights. They’re pieces of a man who gave us something rare: the truth, hidden in hard men with soft edges.

Keep ReadingShow less