The Hundred and MLC avoid clash in 2025 as leagues aim to secure global stars
Published - 24 Jan 2025, 10:36 AM | Updated - 24 Jan 2025, 10:45 AM
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The Hundred and Major League Cricket (MLC) have reportedly made major adjustments to their schedules for the upcoming 2025 season to avoid overlapping with an aim to have bright chances of attracting the best men cricketers across the world.
However, The Hundred and Major League Cricket (MLC) have not officially announced their dates for the upcoming edition, but an ESPNCricinfo report revealed that the American franchise league will run from mid-June to mid-July, finishing roughly two weeks before The Hundred kicks off in early August.
The Hundred and Major League Cricket set to adjust schedules for the 2025 season to avoid overlap
The Hundred and Major League Cricket (MLC) have decided to change their window after the two leagues clashed for six days last year, and it caused logistical issues and players’ availability to both leagues. In 2024, England’s 100-ball tournament had to deal with several players arriving late from MLC, leading to a series of last-minute replacement signings for short stints.
Additionally, Texas Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming had to leave early to join Southern Brave in the 100-ball tournament in England. However, The Hundred still won’t have an entirely exclusive window in 2025. Despite the imminent changes in schedule, the 100-ball tournament will overlap with the Caribbean Premier League 2025 (CPL 2025).
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has already announced that its men’s tournament will run from August 14 to September 21, making the West Indian players unavailable for the most part of The Hundred 2025. On the other hand, the Women’s CPL 2025 is expected to begin in early September, which means the women players will be able to participate in both leagues without any conflicts.
MLC 2025 Final likely to overlap with European T20 Premier League
Meanwhile, the MLC 2025 final will clash with the start of the European T20 Premier League, which is scheduled to run from July 15 to August 3 in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Scotland. The full schedule for The Hundred 2025 is expected to be released next week.
ECB’s 100-ball tournament usually runs between July and August, but for 2025, they have reportedly planned for August, with no clashes with England's men's or women's matches in international cricket. The tournament is set to begin right after the fifth and final Test between England and India and will conclude with the finals weekend on August 31.
On the other hand, Major League Cricket has recently appointed Johnny Grave as the league’s new chief executive officer (CEO). Grave served as the CEO of Cricket West Indies (CWI) as well as worked with Surrey and the Professional Cricketers' Association. Grave’s appointment could help strengthen ties between MLC and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Kane Williamson set to lead London Spirit in The Hundred 2025
It is being said that London Spirit is set to make a big move by signing Kane Williamson as their captain, and they are looking to bring in Jamie Smith from Birmingham Phoenix as their centrally contracted player ahead of the next season.
Additionally, Southern Brave is aiming to sign Laura Wolvaardt, and Manchester Originals are interested in adding Amelia Kerr to their squad. Notably, Cummins, Steven Smith and Travis Head are unlikely to play in the ECB's tournament.
