ECB throws another challenge to BCCI amid IPL ownership of The Hundred Teams

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has indirectly targeted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) dominance after prominent American investors have shown great interest in their very own domestic league—the Hundred.

Taking a dig at the BCCI, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has assured fans that it will prevent an "IPL takeover" of English cricket, thanks to significant American interest, as the sales process for The Hundred moved into the final stage.

ECB promises independence amid IPL and US investors’ interest in The Hundred

With Monday being the deadline for the second round of bids for the teams in the 100-ball tournament of the ECB, the host counties and clubs have now been given the responsibility to select their two preferred partners for a potential joint venture.

Read Also: Sanjiv Goenka instigated Naveen-ul-Haq vs Virat Kohli? LSG owner's shocking admission

In a dramatic twist, eight of the ten IPL franchises have reportedly entered the fray, engaging in extensive discussions with counties over the past two months to buy the Hundred teams.

Alongside IPL interest, prominent US sports investors, many of whom already have stakes in English football, have also emerged as key contenders to have shares in the teams.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Avram Glazer, Manchester United’s co-owner, has submitted two bids. On the other hand, Cain International, founded by Chelsea co-owner Jonathan Goldstein, and Knighthead Capital, owners of Birmingham City, have also been involved in the second round of talks with host counties for The Hundred.

ECB likely to embrace American sports giants for The Hundred’s future

ESPNcricinfo understands that Avram Glazer, the co-owner of Manchester United, has submitted two second-round bids. Cain International, founded by Chelsea co-owner Jonathan Goldstein, and Knighthead Capital, who own Birmingham City, have also reportedly been involved in the second round of talks with host counties.

Meanwhile, the ECB is targeting a massive £350 million through its The Hundred sales process and is keen on attracting a mix of investors rather than allowing an IPL dominance. With substantial American money in the mix, the ECB predicts long-term growth and global appeal for English cricket.

Read Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Jay Shah reveals his sudden Australia trip details

ECB chairman Richard Thompson feels it is a great opportunity for them to transform English cricket into a thriving franchise model while safeguarding its independence from the IPL.

This isn't going to end up being an IPL takeover: Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson was quoted as saying by Wisden Cricket Monthly, “This isn't going to end up being an IPL takeover. There's a huge amount of American money involved—very sophisticated investors who understand franchise sports. We invented sport; they invented the franchise, and they're looking long-term.”

He added, “They know we've got the best time zone in the world. And if you're looking to maximize the media rights, you look at the fact that rugby and football have got such incredibly successful domestic products, and we haven't, really. They can see how unvalued that is."

"A lot of those American investors have had huge success investing in the Premier League and feel that the way that English law is structured, the way there is this tribalism and passion for sport in this country, they've seen that success play out through football and think, 'Well, that can play out just as easily in cricket if we invest well.'”

Recently, the England and Wales Cricket Board made it very clear that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 can not take place with India siding with BCCI on the matter of Hybrid Model.