BBC among broadcasters anxious about Hundred matches finishing within time limit after two trial games took longer than two-and-a-half hours to complete
- The BBC will show 18 live matches in men’s and women’s competitions
- The brevity of Hundred games is said to be one of format’s main selling points
- Two games held at Lord’s last month took longer than 150 minutes to complete
- It is just 40 balls fewer than the Twenty20 Blast that has been played since 2003
Broadcasters have sought assurances from the ECB that Hundred matches will be completed within the allotted two-and-a-half-hour time limit when the competition launches later this month after two trial games over-ran.
The BBC, who will provide live coverage of 18 matches in the men’s and women’s competitions this summer alongside main broadcaster Sky Sports, are particularly anxious to avoid delays due to the lack of leeway in their packed schedule.
The brevity of Hundred games has been identified as one of the format’s main selling points and is one of the competition’s playing conditions.
Broadcasters have sought assurances from the ECB that Hundred matches will be completed within the allotted two-and-a-half-hour time limit
The brevity of Hundred games has been identified as one of the format’s main selling points
Sportsmail has learned that two women’s games involving MCC Select XIs held at Lord’s last month took longer than 150 minutes to complete, with sources describing the delays as considerable.
But the ECB insist they have no concerns as the games only over-ran by a couple of minutes.
As part of the trial, more reviews were permitted than the two-per-innings that will be allowed when the Hundred launches.
The Hundred is just 40 balls fewer than the Twenty20 Blast that has been played since 2003.
But the ECB are hoping that up to an hour can be shaved off the playing time.
Two women’s games held at Lord’s last month took longer than 150 minutes to complete
The Hundred is just 40 balls fewer than the Twenty20 Blast that has been played since 2003