The Hundred, a new 100-ball cricket tournament launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has been a topic of heated debate since its announcement in 2018. The tournament, which was scheduled to begin in 2020, has faced numerous controversies and challenges that have raised concerns among fans and players alike.
One of the main controversies surrounding The Hundred is its format, with traditional and passionate cricket fans expressing their disapproval of the 100-ball format and the introduction of new rules such as the removal of lbw (leg before wicket). This has caused division in the cricket community, with some arguing that the format will bring new audiences to the game while others fear it will alienate existing fans. Additionally, the tournament has faced criticism for its gender pay gap, with female players receiving significantly less than their male counterparts.
The Hundred has also faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the inaugural season being postponed to 2021. This has led to financial strains and logistical hurdles for the ECB, as well as uncertainty about the future of the tournament. Many players have also expressed concerns about the tight schedule and lack of preparation time for the tournament, raising doubts about the quality of cricket that will be played.
As The Hundred prepares for its first season in 2021, these controversies and challenges continue to lo
