This week’s most impactful cricket stories span strategic reform talks, sponsorship insights, ICC politics, evolving data philosophies, and a wave of Hundred-related headlines. Here’s what the cricket business world is watching.
1. Reassessing The Hundred’s value: misjudged opportunity missed? (Guest post by Lalit Modi)
A new guest post argues that The Hundred’s original valuation model and league structure may have underestimated long-term potential, suggesting ECB’s commercial missteps have led to a weakened negotiating position.
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2. ECB offers to cede control of The Hundred to push private team ownership deals to completion
The ECB has reportedly offered to relinquish direct control of The Hundred to expedite the closing of long-delayed private investment deals, signaling a significant governance shift for the league.
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3. England scales back data-driven approach as analysts Leamon and Wilde exit under McCullum’s instinct-first regime
England men’s team has begun pulling back from its data-heavy decision-making approach, as long-time analysts Nathan Leamon and Freddie Wilde exit under Brendon McCullum’s leadership style.
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4. India-Pakistan relations, major reforms on agenda as ICC Annual Conference heads to Singapore
The upcoming ICC Annual Conference in Singapore will feature high-stakes discussions on tournament formats, governance reforms, and the ever-sensitive India–Pakistan dynamic.
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5. The business of sports sponsorship and marketing (Guest post by Nikhil Bardia)
Cricexec explores how cricket organizations and athletes are reshaping the sponsorship landscape with personalized deals, performance data, and global fan engagement strategies.
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6. BCCI threatens Asia Cup pullout over ACC leadership and India–Pakistan tensions
The BCCI has reportedly warned of withdrawing from the Asia Cup if ACC leadership disputes and scheduling conflicts with Pakistan are not resolved—putting the event’s future in doubt.
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7. Jay Shah’s deleted pro–Indian Army post incites criticism from Australian, Pakistani media
A now-deleted post by ICC Chair Jay Shah praising the Indian Army has drawn backlash from international media outlets, raising questions about the blending of political expression and cricket governance.
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8. The Hundred’s London Spirit considering name change, says MCC CEO
MCC CEO revealed that London Spirit is evaluating a potential rebrand ahead of new ownership, aiming to better reflect the team’s identity and geographic base.
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9. London Spirit sale nearing completion at £144M valuation, confirms MCC chief
The sale of The Hundred franchise London Spirit is close to finalization at a £144 million valuation, as MCC confirms deal structure and investor interest.
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10. David Warner tweets plea to play golf in Lahore—look who answered
David Warner took to X (formerly Twitter) asking for a golfing contact in Lahore, prompting a friendly reply from Mohammad Hafeez and a public invitation for a round.
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11. Sharjah to host star-studded tape-ball cricket event on May 23
Sharjah will host a celebrity tape-ball cricket event featuring global icons, adding a new entertainment property to the Gulf cricket calendar.
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12. Fixtures revealed for 2025 Global Super League featuring champions from five top T20 leagues
The newly announced 2025 Global Super League will feature winners from the IPL, PSL, BBL, SA20, and CPL in a first-of-its-kind champion-of-champions T20 tournament.
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13. At ICC meetings, BCCI may request to not draw in same group as Pakistan: source
A source close to the BCCI revealed that officials may formally request the ICC to avoid grouping India with Pakistan in upcoming global tournaments, citing security and logistics concerns.
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14. Ben Stokes quits alcohol to focus on Ashes return and lead England comeback
England Test star Ben Stokes has revealed he’s given up alcohol as part of his personal reset, aiming to lead England’s comeback in the 2025 Ashes.
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15. England names first-ever mixed disability squad for historic T20 series against India
The ECB has announced a groundbreaking mixed disability team—combining physical, learning, and hearing-impaired cricketers—for a historic T20 series against India.
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