The Hundred is English cricket’s 100-ball franchise competition, launched in 2021 and run by the ECB. Each innings lasts 100 balls, bowled in sets of five rather than traditional six-ball overs.
Bowlers can deliver either a five-ball set or two consecutive sets of ten balls before being switched, though no bowler may bowl more than 20 balls in a match.
Eight city-based teams compete in both men’s and women’s competitions, running in parallel from late July into August each year.
For 2026, the tournament moved from a draft system to a full player auction, with salaries rising sharply and each side adding an extra overseas player.
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Three franchises have also been rebranded under new ownership: Oval Invincibles became MI London, Manchester Originals became Manchester Super Giants, and Northern Superchargers became Sunrisers Leeds.
MI London are the most successful franchise in the competition’s history, winning three consecutive men’s titles from 2023 to 2025, having also claimed the first two women’s titles in 2021 and 2022.
Southern Brave won the inaugural men’s title in 2021, while the women’s competition has seen four different champions across five seasons.
The 2026 edition runs from 21 July to 16 August.
Photo: Philip Brown/Getty Images
