CRICKET — The Hundred, England’s electrifying 100-ball cricket competition, is set to return for its fifth edition on 5 August 2025, promising another summer of high-octane action, star-studded lineups, and family-friendly entertainment. Whether you're a die-hard cricket fan or a newcomer to the sport, here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 schedule and how to follow all the drama on the BBC.
The Hundred 2025: Key Dates and Fixtures
The tournament kicks off on 5 August with a blockbuster double-header, featuring defending champions Southern Brave taking on Trent Rockets in the women’s competition, followed by the men’s clash between the same teams. The group stage will run until 24 August, with each of the eight teams playing eight matches—four at home and four away. The top three teams will advance to the knockout stages, culminating in the finals at Lord’s on 30 August.
Highlights of the 2025 schedule include:
- Opening Weekend (5-6 August): Double-headers at The Oval (Oval Invincibles vs. London Spirit) and Edgbaston (Birmingham Phoenix vs. Manchester Originals).
- Rivalry Week (12-18 August): Marquee matchups like Northern Superchargers vs. Trent Rockets and Welsh Fire vs. Southern Brave.
- Finals Day (30 August): The women’s and men’s finals back-to-back at the Home of Cricket.
How to Watch The Hundred 2025 on the BBC
The BBC remains the go-to broadcaster for free-to-air coverage of The Hundred, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action. Every match will be available live on BBC iPlayer, with selected games broadcast on BBC Two and BBC Sport’s digital platforms. Test Match Special (TMS) will provide ball-by-ball radio commentary, while highlights packages will air nightly on BBC One.
For those who prefer streaming, the BBC Sport app and website will offer live scores, in-depth analysis, and exclusive player interviews. As commentator Isa Guha noted last year: "The Hundred is about bringing cricket to everyone—whether you’re at the ground, on your sofa, or watching on your phone during your commute."
Teams to Watch in 2025
The 2025 edition promises fierce competition, with several teams bolstering their squads in the recent draft. Defending women’s champions Southern Brave have retained the core of their lineup, including Smriti Mandhana and Danni Wyatt, while Trent Rockets’ men’s side, led by Joe Root, will be eager to reclaim the title they won in 2022.
Other teams to keep an eye on:
- Oval Invincibles: The 2023 champions have added England’s Heather Knight to their women’s squad.
- Manchester Originals: Jos Buttler’s men’s team reached the finals in 2024 and will be hungry for silverware.
- Welsh Fire: A revamped squad featuring Sophie Devine and Jonny Bairstow could be dark horses.
What’s New in 2025?
The 2025 tournament introduces several innovations to enhance the fan experience:
- Power Play Tweaks: The 25-ball powerplay will now allow two fielders outside the circle (up from one in 2024).
- Enhanced Fan Zones: Interactive activations at grounds, including VR batting simulations and player meet-and-greets.
- Sustainability Initiatives: All venues will implement carbon-neutral measures, aligning with the ECB’s green cricket strategy.
Quotes from the Stars
Ahead of the tournament, players shared their excitement. Southern Brave captain Anya Shrubsole said: "The Hundred has transformed women’s cricket in England. Every year, the standard gets higher, and the crowds get louder—it’s a privilege to be part of it."
Trent Rockets’ Rashid Khan added: "The atmosphere is unreal. I’ve played in leagues worldwide, but nothing compares to the energy of The Hundred. The fans make it special."
Conclusion: Don’t Miss Out
With just over a year to go, anticipation for The Hundred 2025 is already building. Whether you’re planning to attend matches in person or tune in via the BBC, this year’s edition promises to be the biggest yet. As ECB CEO Richard Gould put it: "The Hundred isn’t just a cricket tournament—it’s a celebration of the sport, bringing together communities and inspiring the next generation of players and fans."
Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready for a month of unforgettable cricket. The countdown to 5 August starts now!