Introduction to The Hundred Franchise
Tuesday 07 October 2025 6:30 am | Updated: Monday 06 October 2025 2:28 pm
The Indian-American co-owner of The Hundred franchise Welsh Fire, Sanjay Govil, wants the competition to drop its unique format and become a T20 league within two years.
The 100-ball format has come under pressure following the sale of stakes in all eight Hundred franchises to overseas investors, some of whom are keen to bring the competition in line with the Indian Premier League and other leading T20 tournaments.
“I hope it becomes T20, like, now. I have made it very clear that I want T20 to everybody who listens,” Govil tells City AM.
“Because, as it is, we have Test, ODI, and T20 and so having The Hundred also, I don’t know how it fits in with the international statistics for the players. If it doesn’t even count [to their numbers], and the seriousness never comes in, it doesn’t matter.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes T20 in the next one or two years.”
Hundred or Bust?
IT tycoon Govil purchased 50 per cent of Welsh Fire in a deal with Glamorgan that valued the Cardiff-based franchise at more than £80m.
The so-called tech titans, for comparison, spent nearly £150m for 49 per cent of Lord’s franchise London Spirit. Other investors include Birmingham City owners Knighthead Capital, the mega-rich Ambani family and other groups with IPL links.
Govil quips that he’s “not just got a franchise, but a whole country” given he co-owns the only non-English team.
He says that he’s exploring sponsorship deals for Welsh Fire, which shares the same initials as his Major League Cricket franchise Washington Freedom, but has no immediate plans to change the name. The club colours may shift in the future.
But the Indian-American businessman, founder and chairman of Infinite Computer Solutions, says fans may need to wait to see the stars of the IPL in the Hundred despite saying their introduction would take the competition to the “next level”.
IPL Friends
Big Four batsman Steve Smith has played for Govil’s franchises, while Aussie legend Ricky Ponting coaches the MLC team. Changes to the draft next year could see Welsh Fire strengthen their men’s and women’s squads to rise up the table, and take on the IPL giants.
“I’m very close to the IPL teams,” he says. “The [Mumbai Indians] and [Chennai Super Kings], all these guys, they’re like great friends, and they’ve become great friends.
“They’re always helpful and always supportive – I don’t think I would be here where I am without their support.
“It’s a very, very diverse set of owners, from American football team owners to quarterbacks to Chelsea owners and so on and so forth. It’s amazing.”
Future of The Hundred Franchise
The future of The Hundred franchise is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the introduction of T20 format would be a game-changer. The fans are eagerly waiting to see the stars of the IPL in the Hundred, and the introduction of T20 format would make it possible.
The Hundred franchise has the potential to become one of the biggest cricket leagues in the world, and the introduction of T20 format would be a step in the right direction. The fans are excited to see what the future holds for the franchise, and the introduction of T20 format would be a dream come true for many.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Indian-American co-owner of The Hundred franchise Welsh Fire, Sanjay Govil, wants the competition to drop its unique format and become a T20 league within two years. The introduction of T20 format would be a game-changer for the franchise, and the fans are eagerly waiting to see the stars of the IPL in the Hundred.
The future of The Hundred franchise is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the introduction of T20 format would be a step in the right direction. The fans are excited to see what the future holds for the franchise, and the introduction of T20 format would be a dream come true for many.
FAQs
Q: What is The Hundred franchise?
A: The Hundred franchise is a professional cricket league in the United Kingdom.
Q: Who is the co-owner of Welsh Fire?
A: The co-owner of Welsh Fire is Sanjay Govil, an Indian-American businessman.
Q: What format does Sanjay Govil want The Hundred franchise to adopt?
A: Sanjay Govil wants The Hundred franchise to adopt the T20 format.
Q: Why does Sanjay Govil want The Hundred franchise to adopt the T20 format?
A: Sanjay Govil wants The Hundred franchise to adopt the T20 format because it would make the league more competitive and attractive to fans.
Q: What is the current format of The Hundred franchise?
A: The current format of The Hundred franchise is a 100-ball format.
Q: Who are the investors in The Hundred franchise?
A: The investors in The Hundred franchise include Birmingham City owners Knighthead Capital, the mega-rich Ambani family, and other groups with IPL links.
