The Hundred Cricket
What Is The Hundred Cricket: Cricket, one the most popular sports across the globe known as the gentleman’s game. We all are aware about the 3 major formats of the game, which are One Day International (ODI), Twenty Twenty (T-20) and the Test series. ODI is of 50 overs, T-20 is played for 20 overs and The Test series is played usually for 5 days and there are 450 overs in total. These formats we all are familiar with and we have witnessed them. But the game, Cricket, has witnessed its fair share of innovations and transformations over the years.
However, after the innovation of “The Hundred” cricket, we could observe an impactful introduction in the game. You must be wondering what is “The Hundred” cricket? Don’t worry, this post is solely dedicated to explain the origin, context, concept and format of this game.
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What is “The Hundred” cricket?
This innovative take on the popular game cricket has sparked both excitement and debate within the cricketing community. “The Hundred” cricket format, conceptualized by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The main motive of introducing this format is to bridge the gap between the traditional cricket fans and the modern generation.
The concept behind this is to create a shorter, more viewer-friendly version of the game that would attract a wider audience, specifically today’s Gen-Z. As the name itself says, “The Hundred,” which points out that each team has to bowl and bat for 100 balls. The fast paced game, with an extreme pressure of limited balls and time increases the heat and excitement of the game.
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What is The Format of “The Hundred” Cricket?
The concept and idea of the game is very fast paced, which leads to a high intensity rivalry between the teams participating. The format is pretty different and interesting from the traditional ones that we have been familiar with since ages. Here are some of the key points which describe the rules and format of the games:
- Men and women matches are organized on the same day.
- The league has 32 matches, one team gets to play 4 matches at home and rest 4 outside.
- One innings comprises 100 balls.
- Bowlers in the game are allowed to deliver 5 or 10 balls consecutively.
- Every No ball gives 2 runs and a bonus free hit to the batting side.
- One bowler can deliver a maximum of 20 balls.
- If the overs are slow, a fielder is moved out in the final over as a penalty.
- A strategic time out of 2 minutes and 30 seconds is provided to the bowling team.
- If a catch is dismissed, the non-striker player has to return to their original position discarding the runs collected.
- Power play starts at the 25th ball where only 2 fielders are allowed in the range of 30 yards.
Perks of The Hundred Cricket Format:
- The intense and fast paced game will draw the attention of younger generation.
- Women team will be given the same platform as if men along with an equal pay.
- This new format will pave ways for newer cricket sponsors nad revenues.
- Shorter duration of matches.
- Innovative and
Challenges To The New Format:
- It diminishes the charm of traditional cricket.
- There are risks of overshadowing the original formats such as Test and One-Day Internationals.
- The format focuses more and entertainment and the game will loose the skills and knowledge.
- The fast paced game lacks strategic planning which is a crucial part of cricket.
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