The Hundred to feature equal prize money for men's and women's winning teams

​The Hundred has announced that it will offer women and men equal prize money for the inaugural competition this summer.

The total prize budget of £600,000 will be split 50/50 between the men’s and women’s competitions and is a step towards the ECB’s long-term commitment to making cricket a gender-balanced sport.

The Hundred is an action-packed, unmissable new 100 ball cricket competition that will put you on the edge of your seat. Taking place in the summer holidays, the competition aims to attract a broader, more diverse audience to grow the game.

Featuring world-class players and homegrown talent, the eight brand new city-based women's and men's teams will compete over five weeks each year (17 July – 15 Aug 2020), with both competitions running side-by-side.

Beth Barrett-Wild, head of The Hundred women's competition said: “We’re really proud of our movement towards making cricket a gender-balanced sport and whilst we’re aware there is more to do in this space, this is an important step in the right direction. It’s recognition for the women’s players and the huge value they bring to The Hundred.

“The ECB is committed to transforming women’s and girls’ cricket, from inspiring young girls to pick up a bat for the first time, through to establishing the women’s game as a professional career option. This announcement today represents one signal of intent towards that commitment.”

Heather Knight, captain of London Spirit women’s team adds: “This is a great announcement for women’s sport. Women’s professional cricket is on an exciting journey and whilst there is still a way to go to realise gender parity, this move from The Hundred is a significant step in the right direction. We’re all really excited about playing in the new competition and hopefully inspiring more young girls and boys to pick up a bat and ball.”

A special priority window for tickets to standalone women’s matches in The Hundred will be available from 9-16 March. For more information on The Hundred and to sign up for priority tickets, visit thehundred.com.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Hundred

The Hundred is an action-packed, unmissable new 100 ball cricket competition that will put you on the edge of your seat. Taking place in summer 2020, the competition aims to grow the game and everyone is invited.

Featuring world-class players and homegrown talent, the eight brand new city-based women's and men's teams will compete over five weeks every summer (17 July – 15 Aug 2020), with both competitions running side-by-side.

For the latest news and priority access to tickets visit thehundred.com and follow us on Instagram @thehundred

The ECB’s Women & Girls’ Action Plan

We have created a comprehensive ten-point action plan that aims to transform all elements of women’s and girls’ cricket in England and Wales to increase engagement, grow representation and improve opportunities across the game.

An unprecedented £20m of funding will be invested over the next two years, with an ambition of investing £50m over the five years, to enable organisations across the cricket network to recruit more dedicated resources, improve the player experience, and increase the opportunities to build careers in the sport.

Another ground-breaking commitment is the funding of 40 full-time professional, domestic contracts. These contracts will be in addition to the existing England Women centrally contracted players.