Cricket with a side of popcorn: The Hundred lights up Lord's with fire, fun & future vision
TimesofIndia.com in London:
A visit to the Lord's on Tuesday felt a bit different. Two weeks back, the neighbourhood was buzzing for the India-England Test at the iconic venue, ticket resellers were on an overdrive and the turnstiles saw thousands go in on what turned out to be a thrilling game of cricket.
Cut to Tuesday, the gates of the Home of Cricket opened again but for the season opener of The Hundred. The venue was shining in its full glory under lights and there was a lot of activity on the concourse where families were out in big numbers for an evening of cricket, even on a weekday. It wasn't as busy as the Test but the numerous food carts and beer taps were in business as usual.
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Inside, the largely filled stadium was dancing to the tunes of the DJ and not swaying to the Barmy Army trumpet.
There was a nice fire show after a wicket or a boundary and the occasional fan engagement - loudest fan of the day and random fan cams on the big screen - made sure there was something for everyone. The product is clearly packaged in a manner which appeals to everyone - the cricket enthusiasts and the families.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05: Spectators watch as a fox runs past Ryan Higgins of London Spirit during the The Hundred match between London Spirit Men and Oval Invincibles Men at Lord's Cricket Ground on August 05, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by)
There were three giant screens inside the stadium and interestingly, two of them only mentioned balls and runs. No batter, bowler names or the details of the innings underway.
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No distractions and just one giant screen, on the left of the media centre flashed the detailed scorecard. Unlike the Test, there was a healthy footfall of young children and when they got bored of the cricket, the concourse became their own pitch.
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For first-timers, the format will take some time getting used to. The idea of hundred deliveries, no mention of overs requires some attention but once you get the hang of it, cricket, like it always does, takes over.
The first men's competition fixture between London Spirits and Oval Invincibles was a bit dampener as far as cricket is concerned but it was a very healthy turnout with future owners, after the recent investment drive, keeping a close tab from the hospitality suites.
Both teams were unable to complete the quota of hundred deliveries as the London unit was dismissed for 80 off just 94 and Oval had a comfortable chase in just 69 balls. There was no dearth of star power in the middle with Rashid Khan,
David Warner
,
Kane Williamson
and others in action, and there was a loud cheer for the Afghan when his face flashed on the giant screen during a post-match chat.
Poll
What do you think about the new format of The Hundred cricket tournament?
Exciting and innovative
Needs improvement
Prefer traditional formats
Not interested
Winds of change have already gripped the tournament and while the new owners will come in with a fresh approach and set of ideas, the foremost priority should be to build on the London rivalry. Not an ideal comparison, but at least think on the lines of football. Adequate star power, player continuity and the right direction could make that happen.
There will be challenges: Lack of history, fan connect and continuous engagement but if it is made into a year-long activity instead of just the tournament window, something very big could be developed.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05: Musician Mick Jagger watches during the The Hundred match between London Spirit Men and Oval Invincibles Men at Lord's Cricket Ground on August 05, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by)
"That looks like the idea but there will be a lot of challenges to have that kind of connection with the people. With the people who feed on Test cricket because of the history and other things. For starters, it just cant be restricted to the tournament's window and that's where the new owners would like to come in. If you work in a particular direction, who knows how big this London rivalry of cricket can become," says an industry source tracking developments in the UK.
The opener ended earlier than usual, the bars were shut at 9pm but the families stuck around for a bit. Cricket continued on the concourse and on the way out, the resellers were still at it. Either looking for spare tickets for tomorrow or selling theirs.
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