The Hundred is back with another exciting season, and the 2026 edition promises to be bigger than ever. Featuring some of the world’s best cricketers, new franchise identities, increased investment, and a fast-paced 100-ball format, the tournament is expected to attract millions of cricket fans worldwide.
Whether you’re new to The Hundred or have followed it since its launch, this guide covers everything you need to know about The Hundred 2026, including the format, teams, schedule, star players, venues, and where fans in India can watch the action live.
What Is The Hundred?
The Hundred is a professional franchise cricket tournament organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Unlike traditional T20 cricket, each innings consists of 100 balls, making the game shorter, faster, and more entertaining.
The competition features separate men’s and women’s tournaments, with both matches played on the same day at the same venue, allowing fans to enjoy double-header action.
The 2026 edition begins on 21 July and runs until 16 August.
What’s New in The Hundred 2026?
This season introduces several major changes.
New Franchise Identities
Some franchises have been rebranded following significant private investment.
Notable changes include:
- Oval Invincibles – MI London
- Northern Superchargers – SunRisers Leeds
- Manchester Originals – Manchester Super Giants
These changes reflect increased investment from global cricket franchise owners, including IPL-linked groups.
Teams Participating
Eight teams will compete in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Men’s Teams
- Birmingham Phoenix
- London Spirit
- Manchester Super Giants
- MI London
- Southern Brave
- SunRisers Leeds
- Trent Rockets
- Welsh Fire
Each team will play eight league matches before the knockout stage begins.
Tournament Format
The Hundred uses a unique format that differs from T20 cricket.
Key Rules
- 100 balls per innings
- Bowlers can deliver either 5 or 10 consecutive balls
- Maximum of 20 balls per bowler
- 25-ball Powerplay
- One strategic timeout per innings
- Matches generally finish within 2.5 hours
The top teams at the end of the league stage qualify for the playoffs before the final determines the champion.
The Hundred 2026 Schedule
The tournament runs from:
Start Date: 21 July 2026
Final: 16 August 2026
Every matchday features both a women’s and men’s game at the same venue.
Fans can expect nearly a month of non-stop franchise cricket featuring international stars
Venues
Matches will be played across England and Wales at iconic cricket grounds, including:
- Lord’s
- The Oval
- Headingley
- Edgbaston
- Old Trafford
- Trent Bridge
- Sophia Gardens
- Utilita Bowl
These venues have hosted numerous memorable international matches and continue to provide excellent conditions for high-quality cricket.
Players to Watch
Several world-class players are expected to feature during the tournament.
Keep an eye on:
- Harry Brook
- Nicholas Pooran
- Sam Curran
- Beth Mooney
- Adil Rashid
- Phil Salt
- Jos Buttler
- Liam Livingstone
With international stars competing alongside emerging talent, fans can expect explosive batting, quality pace bowling, and thrilling finishes throughout the tournament.
How to Watch The Hundred 2026 in India
Cricket fans in India can follow every match live.
The broadcasting rights for the 2026 season are now held by JioStar, with coverage available on Star Sports television channels and JioHotstar for digital streaming.
Why Indian Fans Should Watch
The Hundred has become increasingly popular among Indian cricket fans.
Reasons include:
- Fast-paced 100-ball format
- IPL-style franchise atmosphere
- International superstars
- Future cricket stars
- High-quality production
- Women’s and men’s matches on the same ticket
With IPL franchise groups now involved in team ownership, Indian interest in the tournament is expected to grow even further.
Can The Hundred Compete With Other T20 Leagues?
The Hundred offers a different experience compared to leagues like the IPL, BBL, and SA20.
Its shorter format makes matches quicker, while the family-friendly atmosphere has helped attract new audiences.
Although the IPL remains the biggest franchise league globally, The Hundred continues to build its own identity through innovation and strong player participation.
Players Who Could Shine
Several cricketers could dominate this season.
Harry Brook
One of England’s most exciting batters and a key player for his franchise.
Nicholas Pooran
Known for explosive hitting and match-winning performances.
Sam Curran
An experienced all-rounder capable of influencing games with both bat and ball.
Beth Mooney
One of the world’s most consistent batters in women’s cricket. These players are expected to play major roles throughout the tournament.
Why The Hundred Matters
The tournament has become one of the most important franchise competitions outside the IPL.
It provides:
- Opportunities for young players
- Increased exposure for women’s cricket
- International competition
- Entertainment-focused cricket
- Development of innovative playing formats
Each season continues to attract larger audiences and stronger commercial investment.
Final Thoughts
The Hundred 2026 promises another exciting month of franchise cricket featuring some of the biggest names in the game. With new team identities, greater investment, a unique 100-ball format, and extensive international coverage, this year’s tournament is expected to be one of the most competitive editions yet.
Whether you’re following your favorite players, discovering emerging talent, or simply enjoying fast-paced cricket, The Hundred offers something for every fan. If you’re watching from India, the tournament is now easier to follow than ever with dedicated television and digital coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Hundred?
The Hundred is a professional 100-ball cricket tournament organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
When does The Hundred 2026 start?
The tournament begins on 21 July 2026 and concludes with the final on 16 August 2026.
How many teams participate?
Eight men’s teams and eight women’s teams compete in the tournament.
Where can fans in India watch The Hundred 2026?
The tournament will be broadcast on Star Sports and streamed live on JioHotstar in India.