Interest
Insights | August 2025
The Hundred: Cricket’s bold summer spectacle returns
The Hundred is back this month with the energy, drama, and fun you didn’t know cricket had.
Now, if you’re someone who hears ‘cricket’ and immediately thinks of five-day tests, whispered commentary, and confusing rules about tea breaks… we get it. But The Hundred? That’s a whole different ball game, literally.
This is cricket with a glow-up.
What is The Hundred, anyway?
Let’s keep it simple: it’s 100 balls per team, fireworks in the sky, DJs in the stands, and edge-of-your-seat action. The matches are shorter, snappier, and packed with more drama than your favourite reality TV show. (Yes, we said it.)
Think of it as cricket’s cooler, younger cousin who shows up wearing sunglasses, blasting music, and hands you a drink before you can ask what’s going on. You’re watching batters swing for the stars; fielders fly through the air and fans go wild – all in under three hours.
Source: thehundred.com
Theatre, but make it sport
What makes The Hundred really shine is its mix of theatrical flair and serious sporting talent. From light shows to live music, themed match days to outrageous crowd moments, this is cricket reimagined as full-blown entertainment. There are team mascots doing cartwheels, half-time singalongs, and more colour than a Holi festival. And if you’re new to the game? You’re in the perfect place.
What makes The Hundred really shine is its mix of theatrical flair and serious sporting talent
A gateway to the game
The Hundred is designed for people who’ve never watched cricket before. The rules are simple, the energy is high, and the players, from seasoned England stars to the hottest rising talent are out there putting on a show. It’s family-friendly, super accessible, and honestly, kind of addictive.
Before you know it, you’ll be shouting for sixes, debating over fielding tactics, and yes… Googling ‘what exactly is a duck in cricket?’ Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
Neil Edwards, Partner at McBride Sport and former opening batsman for Somerset and Nottinghamshire commented:
“The Hundred has added a new dimension to the domestic game here in England. With the Oval Invincibles winning against the Southern Brave in last year’s men’s final, I think the Invincibles will again be the team to beat this year. Watch out for the Southern Brave & Birmingham Phoenix who have added some exceptional talent to their line ups in this year’s draft.
The Women’s competition is a little harder to call with all teams in with a chance of going all the way. Last year’s winners London Spirit will again be the team to beat, but each franchise has strengthened this year with the addition of some world class oversea talent – my pick this year is the Southern Brave.”
With the Oval Invincibles winning against the Southern Brave in last year’s men’s final, I think the Invincibles will again be the team to beat this year.
Neil Edwards,
Partner at McBride Sport
Anya Shrubsole-Sanders who captained the Southern Brave Women’s team to victory in the 2023 Hundred, gave her predictions on this years Women’s competition:
“Losing Heather Knight and Deepti Sharma puts a significant dent in London Spirit’s chances of defending their title. Welsh Fire have had an exceptional last 2 seasons and will be there or there abouts again and I think Southern Brave have recruited well, have a lot of bases covered and will be looking to respond after a difficult campaign last time out. Every team has world class players that can win a game on their own, so it is anyone’s to win.”
With matches popping up in cities across the UK, this is your chance to grab a ticket, bring your mates, and see what all the fuss is about. Whether you’re there for the cricket, the music, the vibes, or just a reason to cheer and snack on something fried, The Hundred delivers.
So, if you’ve ever said: “I just don’t get cricket” – this summer, give it a go. You might just fall in love with the beautiful (and brilliantly bonkers) game.
So, if you’ve ever said: “I just don’t get cricket” – this summer, give it a go. You might just fall in love with the beautiful (and brilliantly bonkers) game.