ECB postpones inaugural edition of 'The Hundred' to 2021 over coronavirus

Felt holding the tournament behind closed doors contradicts 'the competition's goal to attract a broader audience', says England and Wales Cricket Board

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday said that the inaugural edition of The Hundred has been postponed to 2021.
 
"The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today confirms that the launch of The Hundred will now take place in summer 2021," said the ECB in its statement.
 
"The news follows a meeting dedicated to the subject, where the board concluded it was not possible for the competition to be staged this year."

What is The Hundred tournament?

The Hundred is franchise based 100-ball cricket tournament to be played in England and Wales and administered by the ECB. The league will consist of eight city-based franchise teams, each of which will field both a men's and women's team.

ECB said that apart from the logistical challenges posed by the pandemic including social distancing norms, travel restrictions and furloughing across the venues, it felt holding the tournament behind closed doors contradicts "the competition's goal to attract a broader audience."