‌ECB Chair Richard Thompson believes Indian players' participation in The Hundred 'only matter of time'

On Wednesday, July 30, the England and Wales Cricket Board finalised the investors for the six teams participating in The Hundred. The board further hinted at the addition of two more investors later this year in October. The cumulative investment worth is believed to be valued over 975 million pounds.

ECB Chair Richard Thompson addressed the press after the historic meeting and discussed the involvement of new investors in The Hundred. He feels that it is going to mark a ‘new phase and a seminal moment for cricket in England’. Thompson also spoke about the possibility of Indian players participating in this tournament, even though they feature only in the Indian Premier League presently. While a number of investors from the pioneering franchise tournament have bought stakes in The Hundred teams too, such has been the case for SA20, ILT20, and CPL as well but has brought little change in the BCCI's policy regarding player involvement abroad.

“It's only a matter of time before Indian players will play in the Hundred,” said Thompson after the finalisation of the investors.

“With these new partners on board, we’re entering an exciting new phase and a seminal moment for cricket in England and Wales. Their global perspective and track record in elite sport and business will help us reimagine what’s possible, from deepening fan connections to attracting even more world-class players,” he added.

“Crucially, this investment will not only fuel the competition’s growth but also channel transformative levels of funding into our professional countries and grassroots game. This will ensure cricket continues to thrive at all level across England and Wales for generations to come, supporting our broader ambitions to become the country’s most inclusive sport and driving cricket into harder to reach and under-served communities.