The ECB is considering a dramatic overhaul of The Hundred, potentially introducing multi-year contracts worth up to £300,000 per season if an update to the draft system is approved. This move could elevate the league’s competitiveness, making it one of the most lucrative short-form cricket tournaments globally.
A significant change under review is lobbying the UK’s Home Office to allow teams to field a fourth overseas player, up from the current limit of three. This adjustment, combined with the introduction of multi-year contracts for up to six direct overseas signings, could address the league’s struggles with men’s player recruitment.
If the plans proceed, team wage bills could rise by over 80%, with total spending projected to exceed £3.5 million annually. Currently, teams spend around £1.9 million per year on men’s and women’s salaries, but top men’s contracts could jump from £125,000 to £300,000 by 2025. Women’s salaries could see an increase from £50,000 to over £100,000.
The Hundred’s salary budget could rank second only to the IPL and WPL for men’s and women’s cricket leagues, respectively. However, the ECB has not yet officially commented on the proposed changes, which are being circulated among investors.
With franchises now able to sign one ‘England star’ on a multi-year deal and a potential increase in overseas players, these changes aim to draw top international talent to The Hundred, bolstering its competitiveness on the global stage.
Also, see:
Big changes are coming to The Hundred: What they could be?
