LONDON — England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has urged cricket authorities to ensure that the momentum behind The Hundred women's competition is not lost with the arrival of private investment, emphasizing the need for continued growth and visibility for the women's game.
Sciver-Brunt, one of the world's leading all-rounders, highlighted the tournament's success in attracting new audiences and inspiring young girls to take up cricket. However, she cautioned that the competition must not stagnate as private ownership enters the fray. "The Hundred has been a game-changer for women's cricket, but we can't afford to lose this momentum," she said in an exclusive interview.
The Rise of The Hundred Women's Competition
Since its inception in 2021, The Hundred has revolutionized women's cricket in England, offering equal billing with the men's tournament and drawing record crowds. Key achievements include:
- A sold-out Lord's final in 2022
- A 50% increase in TV viewership in 2023
- Over 20,000 young girls participating in grassroots programs linked to the tournament
Sciver-Brunt, who plays for Trent Rockets, credited the competition for professionalizing the women's game. "Before The Hundred, many of us were juggling jobs alongside cricket. Now, we're full-time athletes with better facilities and bigger platforms," she noted.
Private Investment: A Double-Edged Sword?
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently announced that private investors would be allowed to purchase stakes in Hundred franchises, a move aimed at boosting financial sustainability. However, Sciver-Brunt expressed concerns about potential imbalances. "Investment is great, but it has to benefit the women's game equally. We can't let it become an afterthought," she stressed.
Key Concerns
Sciver-Brunt outlined several areas requiring attention:
- Ensuring equal pay and resources for women's squads
- Maintaining standalone women's matches, not just double-headers
- Expanding broadcast deals to maximize visibility
Recent reports suggest that some franchises are prioritizing men's teams in negotiations, raising fears of a widening gap. "If private owners focus only on the men, we risk undoing years of progress," Sciver-Brunt warned.
The Path Forward
Sciver-Brunt called for enforceable commitments from the ECB and franchise owners to safeguard the women's competition. "We need guarantees—written into contracts—that investment will grow the women's game, not just the men's," she said.
She also urged greater collaboration with players, citing the success of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in India. "The WPL shows what's possible when players have a seat at the table. We need that same partnership here."
Conclusion
The Hundred has been a catalyst for change in women's cricket, but Sciver-Brunt's message is clear: the work is far from over. With private investment on the horizon, the sport must ensure that growth is inclusive and sustainable. "This is our moment to cement women's cricket as a major force. Let's not waste it."
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on how franchises and the ECB respond to these challenges. For Sciver-Brunt and her peers, the priority remains unwavering—keeping the momentum alive.