Latest news with #ECB
BBC News
13 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Durham propose radical county cricket shake-up
Durham have proposed a radical shake-up of English domestic cricket, including a rugby-style Grand Final to decide the County county has addressed members, external with a change to the domestic structure and schedule in a bid to reduce player proposal, which Durham said has been developed along with other counties and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), suggests the current two-division championship should be would be replaced by two upper divisions of six teams each, and a lower division of six top team from each upper division would play in a five-day "Grand Final", which Durham claim would become "the first £1m domestic red-ball match". The Grand Final format is already in use in Australia, New Zealand, India and South lower conference sides would be competing for two promotion places, with one county from each upper conference being relegated to accommodate format would provide 12 games for each county, meeting the other five teams in their group home and away, and then two inter-group games, one home and one away. 'More compelling cricket' Durham chairman Phil Collins said in a statement on the club website, external: "We support the 18-county model but, believe the current 10/8 division structure lacks meaningful fixtures as the season progresses. "The current structure produces a plethora of games in both divisions that do not have any meaning; teams involved in mid table games in the last third of the season onwards do not have any jeopardy… the teams involved cannot get into a title or promotion race and are safe from relegation. "We don't believe this produces the intensity of cricket that our great game needs and is something that both players and fans constantly comment on to us."The proposal also suggests the T20 Blast should be reduced in size and comprise three groups of six teams each, with the entire competition played before The Hundred county said the plans have been drawn up following a Professional Cricketers' Association survey, which found that 83% of players think the current schedule "harms physical wellbeing", 72% saying it "hinders high performance", and over two-thirds claiming mental health is affected by the statement added that other counties have proposed alternative structures, including an 8/10 and a 10/8 division said the idea will be discussed at a members forum on 30 July. "These proposals aim to reduce workload, enhance performance, and offer more compelling cricket. We believe they represent the best way forward," he ECB has been approached for comment.
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Business Standard
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
James Anderson set to make franchise cricket debut in The Hundred 2025
After two decades at the highest level and more than 700 Test wickets to his name, England's fast-bowling legend James Anderson is finally entering the franchise cricket arena. The 42-year-old, who turns 43 just days before the start of The Hundred 2025, has been signed by Manchester Originals through the newly introduced 'wildcard draft' system. The ECB's updated draft process allows each team to add two players who were initially overlooked, giving Anderson a much-awaited chance to feature in a franchise T20-style competition. Having returned to T20 action for Lancashire Lightning in the T20 Blast this year after a decade-long gap, Anderson has impressed with 14 wickets in just eight matches, including a three-wicket haul in his comeback game. The decision to rope him in reflects both his enduring skill and his renewed hunger for the shortest format. Excited for fresh challenge Anderson shared his excitement about the move, expressing that he has thoroughly enjoyed his stint with Lancashire and is eager to bring that energy into The Hundred. He believes the competition offers a unique atmosphere, particularly for younger audiences and families, and sees real value in contributing to that growing fanbase. Though the format is fast-paced, the veteran pacer is confident he can adapt and add meaningful impact to the Originals' campaign. Wildcards bring fresh faces and familiar names The wildcard draft also saw the emergence of 17-year-old Rocky Flintoff, son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff. Rocky has already made an impression at the U-19 level for England, notably with a century and a 93 against India. He joins the Northern Superchargers, the same franchise where his father serves as head coach. Among the 32 wildcard picks across the men's and women's tournaments, only one overseas player was selected—Australia's Hilton Cartwright, who replaces an injured Faf du Plessis at Southern Brave. Meanwhile, Jason Roy also returns to the Brave setup, adding further experience to their ranks. The wildcard signings have injected a fresh wave of excitement into The Hundred 2025, and with names like Anderson entering the fold, it promises to be a standout season.
Hans India
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
AB de Villiers set for blockbuster return in World Championship of Legends
Birmingham: After four years away from competitive cricket, AB de Villiers is set to make a thrilling return to action in the upcoming World Championship of Legends (WCL), which kicks off on July 18. The tournament promises to bring cricket nostalgia to life as global icons from six powerhouse nations reunite on the field across venues in Birmingham, Northampton, Leicester, and Leeds. The much-anticipated WCL 2025, sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), will showcase the talents of some of the most revered cricketers of the modern era. Alongside de Villiers, the tournament features a star-studded line-up including Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Brett Lee, Chris Gayle, DJ Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, and Sir Alastair Cook. De Villiers, known worldwide as "Mr. 360°" for his unorthodox strokeplay and ability to dominate bowling attacks, will lead the South Africa Champions, a side stacked with talent and experience. Joining him are Albie Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Hardus Viljoen, and Aaron Phangiso, ensuring a potent blend of power and precision that reflects South Africa's cricketing legacy. Speaking ahead of the tournament, de Villiers expressed his excitement about donning South African colours once again: 'There's nothing like playing for South Africa. Being back with this group of legends, in front of fans who've always supported us, is truly special. WCL is a celebration of cricket's spirit — and we're here not just to participate, but to compete and ultimately to win,' he said. The WCL offers fans a rare opportunity to witness some of their all-time favourite players back in action, reigniting rivalries and showcasing the camaraderie and competitiveness that once made these stars household names. Whether it's the explosive batting of Chris Gayle and Pollard, the swing and pace of Brett Lee, or the tactical nous of captains like Morgan and Cook, every match promises a mix of flair and fierce competition.
Bloomberg
15 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
ECB Should Cut Rates to Weaken Euro, Italy's Deputy Premier Says
The European Central Bank should reduce borrowing costs to help the economy by weakening the single currency, Italian Deputy Premier Antonio Tajani said. 'We have to ensure that the euro-dollar exchange rate isn't so detrimental to the euro, which is currently too strong,' Tajani, who is also foreign minister, was quoted as saying by Italian newswire Ansa. 'The ECB needs to intervene.'
Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
IND vs ENG: Jofra Archer, already eyeing Ashes, says he wants to play remaining two Tests against India
After making a decisive impact in the Lord's Test against India in his first Test match since 2021, Jofra Archer says he still has plenty left to prove in cricket's longest format. The 30-year-old pacer is firm that he wants to play the two remaining Tests of the five-match series against India this summer, and is also eyeing the Ashes in the winter. 'I can play the other two (Tests) if they let me,' Archer was quoted as saying on Sky Sports. 'I don't want to lose this series. I told Keysy (ECB managing director Rob Key) that I wanted to play the Test summer and I wanted to play the Ashes. I think one tick is already there and I will do everything possible in my power to be on the plane in November, or just before.' With his workload management a key concern, Archer looked both quick and fit at Lord's last week, playing a key role in the 22-run victory which gave England a 2-1 lead over India in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Archer ended with match figures of five for 107 from 39.3 overs. He said he was not concerned about breaking down physically, as his contributions were only in line with those of his colleagues. 'I think everybody put their body on the line, so it'd be a bit bad if I didn't as well. Most of the last day is a blur. It's nice to bowl fast but getting wickets is the most important thing,' he said. After getting his first taste of England's 'Bazball' era, led by coach Brendon McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes, the 30-year-old said the fire is still lit for him to perform in Test cricket. 'Test cricket is the format which would have taken the most time to come back to. I played 50-over and T20 for the last year, year and a half, two years. I think the mentality of the team under Baz (McCullum) suits the way I like to play my cricket so I just couldn't wait to get back and actually do it,' Archer said.
