IPL 2025; KKR, CSK hand a major blow on The Hundred's future

In a major blow to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have pulled out from acquiring teams in the Hundred. The decision was taken by the franchises as they were not convinced by the revenue models the Hundred.

England Cricket Board was planning to sell the Hundred teams and make it a franchise-based league given the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, a no. of IPL franchises have already declined to buy teams due to the unattractive business model. KKR and CSK are the recent teams to join the list.

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KKR, CSK land a major blow on The Hundred's future

While CSK and KKR are still in the race, they are unlikely to participate in the process actively. According to Cricbuzz, some IPL sources are not convinced with the league's business model. The main issue for the investors is the media rights projection shared by the ECB.

Hundred's value prediction which is supposedly around GBP 34 million a year in the next broadcast cycle of 2029-32 is seen as unrealistic and not feasible. It is about 16 times the current value.

The CSK franchise is considering to withdraw from the tournament. Meanwhile, KKR do not view it as a viable business proposition. "The concerns are being addressed but they seem not too chuffed up about buying a team," a source claimed.

IPL franchises not showing interest in The Hundred

Three IPL franchises - Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings didn't show any interest in buying a team in The Hundred right from the start and didn't participate in the bidding process.

The ECB earlier intended to raise around a billion pounds from the sale of its teams. The third round of negotiations is underway currently and it remains to be seen how far the board will succeed.

What is the process of acquiring a team?

The ECB is also looking for a phased approach to the sale which will keep the interested parties in the race till the end. Three or four investors will be shortlisted for every team. They will then go for sealed cover bids with the highest bidder winning the ownership of the team.

The others will be left to vie for the other teams. The plan is to sell one team at a time currently. "Once the successful bidder has been selected, they will enter a period of exclusive negotiations before the deal is concluded. Deals are likely to be concluded March-May," an ECB source said.

According to the reports, Mumbai Indians is currently linked to one of the two London-based teams - London Spirit and Oval Invincibles. Lucknow Super Giants is also believed to be pursuing the London team. However, the ECB is not keen to sell the London team to the IPL owners.

The eight teams of the Hundred are Birmingham Phoenix, London Spirit, Manchester Originals, Northern Superchargers, Oval Invincibles, Southern Brave, Trent Rockets, and Welsh Fire. Hundred's next edition of the tournament is likely to have new owners for the teams that are currently being run by the eight counties.