England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have delayed the inaugural edition of The Hundred for 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
ECB initiated the new format of cricket which was scheduled to happen in July 2020 with the motive of attracting new audience. But amid fear of coronavirus around the globe, the tournament will now take place in a year’s time.
Earlier ECB had decided to cancel all the professional cricket around the nation until July 1.
“The situation we find ourselves in as a country means that delivery of the Hundred will not be possible this summer.Whilst we are naturally disappointed that we won’t get to realise our ambitions this year, the Hundred will go ahead in 2021 when we are safely able to deliver everything we intended to help grow the game.”Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive stated as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
He added, “The Hundred will create millions in revenues for the game, through hosting fees, hospitality and ticket sales, as well as delivering £25m in annual financial distributions to all first-class counties and MCC. Its role in driving participation alongside supporting the development of the women’s game will be material in generating take-up of our game across country-wide communities.”
As a fan, the postponement of ‘The Hundred” makes me more sense than launching the tournament behind the closed doors.
