New Investors Push for Open Bidding to Attract Global Stars
The Hundred could be on the verge of a major transformation as new franchise owners push for an IPL-style auction format in 2026. With significant private investment now in play, there is growing momentum behind scrapping the current draft system in favor of an open bidding war to attract the world’s best cricketers.
Investors Want Bigger Budgets for Player Salaries
Under the existing structure, The Hundred operates on a controlled draft system where teams select players at fixed salary brackets. However, this approach is seen as limiting, especially when compared to the Indian Premier League (IPL), where top players command multi-million-pound contracts.
Despite a 25% salary increase this season, the highest-paid men’s player in The Hundred will earn £200,000, while the top women’s contract is worth £65,000. In contrast, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer will make more individually from their IPL teams this year than an entire men’s Hundred squad. With a salary cap of just £1.17 million per franchise, The Hundred lags far behind the IPL, where Lucknow Super Giants secured Rishabh Pant for a record £2.54 million.
Private Investors Drive Push for Change
The influx of private investors, including the Ambani family’s 49% stake in Oval Invincibles and Silicon Valley financiers backing London Spirit, has intensified calls for increased player salaries. These investors recognize that higher wages will help The Hundred remain competitive against rival leagues like Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Recent high-profile player decisions highlight the issue. Alex Hales chose MLC and CPL over The Hundred, following in the footsteps of Steve Smith and Pat Cummins, who prioritized MLC in 2023 due to higher pay. With growing competition from global T20 leagues, The Hundred risks losing marquee names unless salaries become more competitive.
New Committee to Decide Future of Player Draft
To address these concerns, a new shareholder committee will be formed, comprising the chief executives of all eight franchises and representatives from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Their primary task will be to evaluate salary structures and explore the feasibility of introducing an open auction.
The first round of meetings is scheduled for the start of the domestic season, with a final decision expected by September. While it remains unlikely that The Hundred can match IPL salaries, there is consensus that a significant increase in player wages is essential to the league’s growth.
Challenges and Potential Backlash
While an open auction could boost the league’s appeal, it is not without challenges. The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) has already voiced concerns about the widening pay gap between players. When this season’s salaries were announced in December, the PCA accused the ECB of showing a “lack of respect” due to the increased gender pay disparity and uneven salary distribution.
Additionally, an IPL-style auction could disproportionately benefit overseas players, sparking further debate about fair compensation for domestic talent. Despite these concerns, there is growing acknowledgment that financial flexibility is key to securing The Hundred’s place in the global T20 ecosystem.
The Road Ahead: A Crucial Year for The Hundred
The potential move to an open auction represents a defining moment for The Hundred. With private investors eager to shake up the league and global competition intensifying, the ECB faces a critical decision in balancing financial sustainability with attracting elite talent.
Whether The Hundred sticks to its current draft model or embraces an IPL-style revolution, one thing is certain—the league’s future is set for significant change. The next few months will be pivotal in shaping the direction of England’s flagship short-format competition.(online casino)