The women’s competition in the inaugural edition of The Hundred next year will be staged at the same eight venues as the men’s event, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced.
An initial plan centred on using 20 venues in England and Wales but the ECB says operational consequences caused by the coronavirus pandemic reflects 'the need to adapt for the first year of the competition'.
The national governing body added double-headers and more alignment with the men’s teams will provide increased visibility and exposure.
Beth Barrett-Wild, head of The Hundred women’s competition and female engagement, said: “It’s clear that the wide-ranging impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the delivery of elite sporting events and society more generally, necessitates a change to our plans from 2020.
“The move to an integrated eight-venue model with the men’s competition next summer will simultaneously enable us to reduce our operational risk, protect the delivery of the women’s competition, and optimise the opportunity to work with our broadcast partners to provide maximum visibility and exposure for the women’s game.
“We therefore believe that this is the best structure for the women’s competition in 2021. However, with the women’s game transforming and growing at pace, it is important that we remain flexible in our approach to evolving this model in the future.”
The eight venues which will now be in use for both men’s and women’s competitions are Lord’s, The Oval, Trent Bridge, Edgbaston, Emerald Headingley, Emirates Old Trafford, the Ageas Bowl and Sophia Gardens.
John Stephenson
john@cricketinvestor.co.uk
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