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The Hundred (Source: X)
The Hundred, a unique format was designed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who will return for its fourth edition on Tuesday, July 23. The 100-ball tournament for both men and women will kick off on the same day when the Oval Invincibles take on Birmingham Phoenix at the Kennington Oval in London.
Eight teams are likely to compete in both categories for nearly a month, with the finals scheduled to take place on August 18. Unlike other leagues around the world, The Hundred there are some special rules and playing conditions are different. As T20 cricket grew in popularity, the new shorter format was a masterstroke by the ECB to attract more audiences to the game.
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What are the key differences from other leagues?
Similar to other leagues, each team participating in the tournament consists of 11 players. While traditional T20 matches have 120 balls per inning, The Hundred, as the name suggests, has only 100 balls. It also indicates that the duration of the game is much shorter than in normal T20 matches. Additionally, each team is allowed to take a two-and-a-half-minute break during their innings.
A significant difference is that there are no six-ball overs. There is no restriction on a bowler bowling back-to-back overs. Here bowlers can bowl five or ten balls in a row. Also, similar to powerplays in T20 cricket, fielding restrictions are in place for the first 25 balls of each innings.
Unlike other leagues, men's and women's teams play in parallel tournaments. In an initiative to promote women's cricket and place greater emphasis on gender equality, both categories have equal prize money.
Team composition, fan engagement
Similar to other franchise leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), teams in The Hundred are also composed through a draft system. This allows players from all over the world to enter the draft, ensuring a balanced and competitive tournament.
The Hundred matches are held during the school holidays to attract young viewers. Moreover, ticket prices are relatively low to encourage families and youngsters to attend live matches. The match only lasts two and a half hours, so families don't have to give up all day to watch a game.