England Cricket Archives

England Cricket open to IPL investment in The Hundred

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Richard Gould confirmed on Monday they have held talks with Indian Premier League (IPL) owners about acquiring a stake in their domestic The Hundred competition.

The fourth edition of The Hundred, which features eight specially created teams — each with a men’s and women’s side — rather than the traditional 18 first-class English counties, starts on Tuesday.

Its future remains uncertain, with the ECB looking to secure private investment in a bid to cement its position in the global calendar and boost the finances of the domestic game.

The ECB are trying to balance a desire for a cash injection while retaining control of the Hundred by selling off a 49 per cent stake in each team to private investors, with host teams retaining the remaining 51 per cent of shares.

But the hosts could sell part or all of their shares.

“Control comes at different levels, it comes at team level and it comes at competition level — that’s not something we are ceding control of,” ECB chief executive Richard Gould told reporters during a conference call.

“Different investor groups have different needs, for some it is about control of what happens on the field, for others it’s the commercial element.

“You’re right about the strength of the Indian market — it represents probably 90 percent of the revenues coming into the ICC (International Cricket Council) and we have seen the proliferation of IPL teams moving outside of their home market into other national markets. I think that’s to be welcomed,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The cash-rich T20 IPL, a multi-million dollars spectacle underpinned by the mass enthusiasm for cricket in India, the world’s most populous nation, has changed the sport’s global landscape, with players no longer needing to go through the grind of five-day international Test matches in order to enjoy lucrative careers.

There is a view that IPL owners, such as the billionaire Ambani family who are in charge of the Mumbai Indians, would only be interested in full control of The Hundred team.

“There is certainly the opportunity for people to have potentially 100 percent ownership,” said Gould.

“It depends on the capabilities they can bring both in terms of finance and operation delivery.”

The ECB’s director of business operations Vikram Banerjee said while he had spoken to IPL owners about the Hundred, he was also open to offers from American Football’s NFL.

“I’ve now met and spoken to, a number of times, all the IPL owners and WPL (Women’s Premier League) owners that don’t overlap and there is interest there, from what they’ve told me, which is fantastic and lends into a very exciting process,” Banerjee said.

“I would really hope we have a level of partnerships with some IPL teams, I think that would be brilliant. They have done a great job and know cricket very well.”

He added: “At the same time, we’ve just sent out a document and video to some NFL owners that explains what cricket is and what the rules are.

“In terms of fan engagement, how they can build stadia experience and bring in the next generation, those guys are amazing.

“So, we can bring that blend together, which I think is what we hope to do and that can work really well.”

READ: Global winners of ICC Development Awards announced

ECB announces England Men’s Central Contract for 2023/24

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday, announced the Central Contract offers for England Men’s international cricket for the year from 1 October 2023.

The system, which covers both red-ball and white-ball players, considers the likelihood of players featuring in England teams across formats over the next period while recognising performances in the preceding year.

Multi-year contracts have been awarded for the first time since central contracts were established in 2000.

The ECB has worked closely with the Professional Cricketers’ Association and Team England Player Partnership on behalf of the players to reach an outcome for all parties.

In total, 29 players have received ECB Men’s Central Contract offers – 18 England Multi-Year Central Contracts, eight England Annual Central Contracts, and three England Development Contracts.

England Three-Year Central Contracts:

Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Mark Wood (Durham)

England Two-Year Central Contracts:

Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Zak Crawley (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire – from 1 November), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

England One-Year Central Contracts:

Moeen Ali (Warwickshire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Jack Leach (Somerset), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey)

England Development Contracts:

Matthew Fisher (Yorkshire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), John Turner (Hampshire)

For the unversed, seven players – Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue – received their maiden ECB Central Contracts.

Whereas, Yorkshire’s Dawid Malan made his return to the annual contract after missing out last year.

Matthew Fisher, Saqib Mahmood and John Turner are offered Development Contracts to support the development of high-potential talent.

Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, said: “We are rewarding those players who we expect to make a significant impact over the coming years playing for England.

“It is great news and a credit to the players for demonstrating their commitment to English cricket in the ever-changing landscape of the sport.

“I would like to congratulate all the players who have been offered contracts. They will play a pivotal role in England’s efforts over the next few years.”

READ: Wasim Akram lashes out at Pakistan team after Afghanistan upset

ECB suspends Adam Lyth over ‘suspected illegal bowling action’

LONDON: England and Wales Cricket Board suspended Yorkshire right-arm off-break bowler Adam Lyth from bowling in ECB competitions following an independent assessment of his bowling action conducted at Loughborough University.

The left-arm pacer, who also represented England in seven Tests and played 205 first-class matches over the course of his 16-year-long career, has been barred from bowling in the domestic circuit.

Following the procedure outlined in the ECB’s Regulations for the Review of Bowlers Reported with a Suspected Illegal Bowling Action, the suspension will take effect.

Lyth’s bowling action was reported in the Vitality Blast semi-final at Edgbaston on July 16.

“The subsequent assessment found that the elbow extension in Lyth’s bowling action exceeded the 15-degree threshold as defined in the Regulations,” ECB stated.

“Lyth is ineligible to bowl in ECB competitions until he is able to pass an independent re-assessment of his bowling action,” the statement concluded.

READ: Trophy unveiled as inaugural women’s U19 T20 tournament set to kick off

Jos Buttler named England Men’s White-Ball Captain

LONDON: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the wicket-keeper batter Jos Buttler to lead the white-ball sides after the World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan hung up his boots.

Buttler, who served as Morgan’s deputy, will now be succeeding him as he has been named the new England’s white-ball captain by the ECB.

According to the cricket board, the ECB Interim Chair, Martin Darlow, and Interim Chief Executive Officer, Clare Connor, approved the appointment on Wednesday evening following the recommendation by the Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key.

Introducing our new Men's White-Ball captain, @josbuttler 🦁🦁🦁

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 30, 2022

Buttler has been an integral part of England’s white-ball side for over a decade. He played his first T2OI game in 2011 and made his ODI debut a year later.

The right-handed batter has been the vice-captain since 2015 and has led the team 14 times previously (Nine ODIs & five T20Is).

Speaking on the occasion, Buttler heaped praises on the former captain Morgan and termed it an honour to take the captaincy role from him.

“I would like to offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to Eoin Morgan for his outstanding leadership over the past seven years. It has been the most memorable period for everyone involved. He has been an inspirational leader, and it has been fantastic to play under him. There are lots of things that I have learnt from him that I’ll take into this role,” he said.

“It is a great honour to take over from Eoin, and the place he has left English white-ball cricket in is exciting, and I’m inspired for the challenges ahead,” he added.

The newly-appointed captain also set his sights on his first assignment after taking up the leadership role and backed his side for having excellent strength in depth.

“There is excellent strength-in-depth in the white-ball squads, and I’m looking forward to leading the teams out for the series that are coming up against India starting next week and later in July against South Africa,” he stated.

“It is the greatest honour to captain your country, and when I have had the chance to step in the past, I have loved doing it. I can’t wait to take this team forward,” he concluded.

READ: ARY Digital Network acquires TV and Digital Rights for FIFA World Cup

Anderson returns as England announce Playing XI for home India Test

LONDON: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the Playing XI for their home fifth and final Test against India, veteran pacer James Anderson returned after recovering from an injury.

The hosts England have revealed their lineup for the fifth and final Test of England’s previously scheduled series, which was postponed due to concerns about the Covid-19.

England’s veteran pacer, who missed the final Test against New Zealand of the recently-concluded series due to an ankle injury, has recovered and has been added to the Playing XI for India Test. Whereas, his replacement Jamie Overton remained unable to make it to the side.

Our XI for the fifth LV= Insurance Test with @BCCI 🏏

More here: https://t.co/uXHG3iOVCA

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #ENGvIND 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/xZlULGsNiB

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 30, 2022

It is pertinent to mention here that India are yet to reveal their captain for the Test as Rohit Sharma is doubtful after contracting the widely spread virus, while the deputy KL Rahul was ruled out of the entire tour as he will be travelling to Germany for the treatment.

READ: Training camp for Commonwealth Games and tri-series set to commence

Matthew Mott appointed as England Men’s white-ball coach

LONDON: Former Australian cricketer and the head coach of the Australian Women’s Cricket Team, Matthew Motts, has been appointed as the head coach of the England white-ball head coach, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Wednesday.

Mott, 48, has signed a four-year-long contract with the ECB, and an away three-match ODI series against the Netherlands, is expected to be his first assignment as England’s white-ball head coach.

Former Aussie cricketer Mott has worked with the Australian Women’s Cricket Team since 2015 and has overseen one of the world’s best winning records across international sport during his tenure. The Australian side won consecutive ICC T20 World Cups, this year’s ICC Women’s 50-Over World Cup and are undefeated in four Ashes series.

Mott has also assisted Australia to win 26 consecutive one-day internationals, a record in either the men’s or women’s game.

According to the details, the ECB’s selection panel of Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison, Managing Director of England’s Men’s Cricket Rob Key, Strategic Adviser Andrew Strauss and Performance Director Mo Bobat unanimously agreed that McCullum is an outstanding candidate for the role, having impressed during the competitive interview process.

Commenting on Mott’s appointment, the newly appointed managing director of ECB Rob Key talked to the media and said that Mott is a perfect fit for the appointment, having been involved in international cricket.

“It is a real privilege to be able to announce Mathew Mott as the Head Coach of our men’s white-ball team. He has had an incredible coaching journey with so many varied experiences that have brought him to this point where he was outstanding in the interview process and the perfect fit for our white-ball teams,” Key said.

“We are lucky to be able to appoint a Head Coach that has not only been involved in international cricket for the last few years but he has also worked in franchise cricket around the world. More importantly, what he has done with the Australian Women’s team is what will be asked of him to achieve for our men’s white-ball sides,” he added.

The ECB Managing Director further expressed his confidence in the captain Eoin Morgan and coach Mott and believe that the partnership can push for more trophies in the coming years.

“I’m confident that in Eoin Morgan and Matthew Mott, we have a formidable partnership that can push for more trophies in the coming years and that Matthew will be able to oversee any transition that team will go through in the future,” he concluded.

Mott expressed his delight at his new position, noting that while being an Australian, he has strong ties to the United Kingdom and that the opportunity to work with a well-established team drew him in.

“I am delighted to accept the opportunity to take this white-ball role with England. Whilst I am Australian, I have deep connections, and several of my closest friends are in the UK, having spent considerable time in Scotland, Wales and England, both as a player and coach,” Mott said.

“When this role became available, I was attracted by the chance to work with such an established and successful team under the astute leadership of Eoin Morgan and now Rob Key, whom I have always admired as an excellent cricket mind,” he added.

The former Australian coach also praised the idea of split roles and shared that he is enthusiastic to work alongside the red-ball coach Brendon McCullum.

“The idea of the split roles and the chance to work alongside Brendon McCullum in his red-ball role is an opportunity that I am incredibly enthusiastic about and certainly provides the right balance for my family as we embark on this exciting journey,” he concluded.

READ: Anderson, Broad return as England name squad for New Zealand Tests

Anderson, Broad return as England name squad for New Zealand Tests

LONDON: Veteran English fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad returned to the side as England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) named a strong 13-members squad for the first two Tests of the summer season against New Zealand.

England, which will be on their first assignment with the new captain Ben Stokes and the head coach Brendon McCullum have recalled their experienced pacers Anderson and Broad. Whereas, Yorkshire batter Harry Brook and Durham seamer Matthew Potts are called up for the first time.

Brook and Potts are the leading English batter and bowler respectively in the ongoing County Championship 2022. The right-handed batter Brook has so far scored 758 runs at an average of 151.60, including three centuries and four half-centuries.

Potts, on the other hand, has also been impressive as the right-arm pacer is the season’s leading bowler with 35 wickets and four five-wicket hauls.

Rob Key, the Managing Director of the England Cricket termed the ongoing period as the ‘New Era’ for England and claimed to have named a strong squad with a blend of experience and youth.

“This is the start of a new era for our Test team under the stewardship of Ben [Stokes] and Brendon [McCullum]. With a blend of youth and experience, we have selected an exciting squad that can compete with New Zealand in next month’s Test series,” Key said.

“We have rewarded players in Harry Brook and Matty Potts who have had outstanding starts to the County season, and they deserve the opportunity to stake a claim at this level.

“It promises to be a mouthwatering series, and I can’t wait for the team to start against a very good New Zealand side. It is a fascinating prospect for everyone connected with the sport in this country,” he concluded.

The three-match Test series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship. The England team will be looking to climb the rankings after a disappointing start to the second edition of the Championship. The side currently holds the ninth position following their series defeats against Australia and West Indies.

ENGLAND SQUAD:

Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Joe Root

READ: PCB announces T20I, ODI squad for home series against Sri Lanka

Brendon McCullum appointed as England Men’s Test head coach

LONDON: Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has been appointed as the new England Men’s Test head coach, England Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday.

McCullum, who was being considered the top candidate to take on the position, has officially been appointed by the ECB.

The legendary Kiwi batter, who has never coached a first-class match yet, will experience his first assignment in a Test series against his home side New Zealand in June, whom he represented in 432 matches amid his prolonged 14 years career.

Commenting on McCullum’s appointment, the newly appointed managing director of ECB Rob Key talked to the media and said that McCullum’s appointment would be good for England’s Test side, who is known for changing cricket culture.

“We are delighted to confirm Brendon as England Men’s Test Head Coach. It has been a real privilege to get to know him and understand his views and vision for the game. I believe his appointment will be good for England’s Test team,” Key said.

“He has a recent history of changing cricket culture and environments for the better, and I believe he is the person to do that for England’s red-ball cricket,” he added.

“I believe in Brendon and Ben Stokes – a formidable coach and captain partnership. Time for us all to buckle up and get ready for the ride,” Key concluded.

McCullum, on the other hand, also commented on his appointment by revealing the immense pleasure the former Kiwi captain is experiencing while also can not wait to get started and bring a change.

“I’d like to say how pleased I am to be given this opportunity to positively contribute to England’s Test cricket set-up and move the team forward into a more successful era,” McCullum said.

“In taking this role on, I am acutely aware of the significant challenges the team faces at present, and I strongly believe in my ability to help the team emerge as a stronger force once we’ve confronted them head-on. I’m no stranger to bringing about change within a team environment, and I can’t wait to get started,” he added.

McCullum then praised the newly-appointed Test captain Ben Stokes and termed him the perfect character to inspire change around him.

“Ben Stokes is the perfect character to inspire change around him, and I look forward to working closely with him to build a successful unit around us,” McCullum concluded.

READ: Nadal blunts Isner to advance into the third round of the Italian Open