Graves: Current formats not attracting audiences
ECB chairman Colin Graves has indicated that the controversial Hundred tournament will definitely go ahead, although dates and venues have not yet been finalised.
Graves reiterated the ECB’s stance that the new format will beneficial will attract a new audience to the game.
The concept will be 15 traditional six-ball overs and a final 10-ball over.
ALSO READ: Cricket is great; we won’t save the game by telling everyone it isn’t
Speaking about the current state of cricket, Graves told the BBC: “It is not attracting the audiences, if it was we would not have that issue.
“The younger generation, whether you like it or not, are just not attracted to cricket. In all the work, surveys and research we have done, the younger generation want something different.
“They want more excitement, they want it shorter and simpler to understand. Those are the things we have learnt for this new competition and that is what we have to make it.”
Graves also said the new tournament will bring in extra revenue for all 18 county sides in England.
The ECB chairman went on: “As far as we’re concerned – and the ECB board is concerned – the new competition board is in place to virtually launch this tournament.
“We’ll build it and we’ll work with the players because we want them to be involved. From the players’ point of view, this is bringing in an extra 8m worth of salaries into county cricketers. That’s what the tournament will generate for them.”
Latest
-
NewsNo fear, says England’s Paul Collingwood ahead of a thrilling final day’s action
The assistant coach says the tourists are not scared of losing the first Test to Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
-
NewsDaring declaration sets up thrilling final day of Test action in Rawalpindi
Pakistan need 263 more runs to defeat England, with eight wickets remaining.
-
NewsPakistan need 343 runs to win first Test after England declaration
The tourists scored quick runs on day four at Rawalpindi.
-
NewsEngland debutant Will Jacks claims maiden Test five-for against Pakistan
England picked up where they left off the night before, picking up the remaining three wickets in the first hour-and-half of play.
-
NewsWill Jacks: Wicket of Babar Azam could be a game-changing moment for England
Jacks finished the day with three for 132 from 32 overs.
-
NewsEngland rewarded for perseverance as late Pakistan wickets offer hope of victory
The hosts slid to 499 for seven at the end of day three in Rawalpindi, with England leading by 158 runs.
-
NewsThe Hundred would cost ‘a few billion’ – ECB chair Richard Thompson
Reports last month suggested private equity company Bridgepoint Group had made a £400million offer for 75 per cent of the tournament.
-
NewsEngland bowlers toil as Babar Azam’s century guides Pakistan to 411 at tea
England made inroads into the Pakistan batting line-up in the morning, with Jack Leach taking two wickets, but there was little on offer after lunch.
-
NewsFormer Australia captain Ricky Ponting ‘feeling great’ after heart scare
The 47-year-old was taken to hospital in Perth after feeling unwell while working as a television pundit on Friday.
-
NewsEngland make inroads as Pakistan reach 298 for three at lunch
The hosts went into the break well behind England’s impressive first-innings total of 657.