Richard Thompson is counting down the days until his term as chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) ends. Not because he is eager to leave the role at Lord’s, but because he has an ambitious agenda to tackle before stepping down in 2027.
His priorities include overseeing the sale of stakes in The Hundred, a move that could transform English cricket.
“This is an opportunity to leave a legacy in something that’s defined me and shaped my life,” says Thompson, who previously served as chairman of Surrey CCC for 12 years and currently leads M&C Saatchi’s UK business.
Thompson emphasizes the importance of making every day count: “When you’ve got – as I worked out – 1,870 days, you don’t want to waste a day. I’m two years in and very focused on outcomes. But also, I think good leaders should make decisions that plant seeds for the tree that provides shade for everyone else.”
A major and immediate concern is the sale of The Hundred. Although created to attract new fans, promote women’s cricket, and compete with the Indian Premier League, the competition remains controversial. The outcome of selling 49 percent stakes in the eight teams will significantly impact the future of English cricket. It could surpass the £350 million offer Thompson and the ECB turned down for full control of The Hundred shortly after he took over.
“In my first week, I received a letter from Bridgepoint offering £350 million for the tournament,” Thompson recalls. “Some counties wanted to take the deal, but I felt strongly we shouldn’t. Instead, we developed an alternative plan.”
The goal is to maintain control over the competition and schedule while introducing a new ownership model. “Our target was to raise £350 million from sales, and I think we’ll exceed that, but there’s more work to be done.”
The Hundred sale, managed by The Raine Group, is in its second of four stages, with significant global interest from investors, including the Ambani family, the Glazers, and CVC Capital Partners. “We’ve been surprised by the quality and quantity of interest,” Thompson says, noting the once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity.
While Thompson prefers some teams to remain British-owned, he acknowledges the expertise of American investors, highlighting that franchise sports were revolutionized in the U.S. “It’s a reset moment,” he admits, adding, “The next 10 years of English cricket will largely be shaped by what happens in the coming weeks. This new investment model and game recapitalization will set the future direction.”
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
