100-ball games not yet signed off, players told

PROFFESSIONAL Cricketers’ Association chairman Daryl Mitchell has given a cautious welcome to assurances that the 100-ball tournament planned for 2020 remains no more than a “concept”.

Mitchell has reported clarifications from England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tom Harrison that no plans for the new eight-team competition are yet set in stone.

The PCA published a statement shortly after yesterday’s meeting at Edgbaston, citing continued “concern” and “a huge amount of detail which remains undecided and unclear”, following the ECB’s public proposal last month that the tournament will feature a ground-breaking 100ball format rather than the triedand-tested 20 overs per side.

In a television interview, however, Mitchell confirmed he and 27 fellow professionals — including England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and women’s opener Tammy Beaumont — had been assured by Harrison that ‘The Hundred’ is not yet signed off.

Asked that question, Mitchell said: “No. They were very keen to stress that the 100-ball concept is still just that ... and they are interested in what all stakeholders have to say.

“The players are a major stakeholder in the game, and they want our input and thoughts (in what) is still an ongoing process.

“I don’t think it is a foregone conclusion ... they certainly said that.”

Reflecting on the meeting, Mitchell added: “We’ve got a greater understanding now. Most importantly the players are more informed than when they arrived. We have an understanding of why we are looking to change.”