A fan’s question on X has triggered a fresh debate around the relevance of The Hundred, with Lalit Modi offering a blunt response on the format’s long-term value.
Lalit Modi questions The Hundred after fan query
Asked why he considers The Hundred a loss-making project, Modi listed multiple concerns. He questioned whether people understand the rules, whether it is played at grassroots level, and whether it has wider acceptance beyond England and Wales Cricket Board. He also raised doubts about its commercial appeal, pointing to the UK market and limited tournament window in August.
Lalit Modi, who conceptualised the Indian Premier League, has been more active on social media in recent weeks. He has also criticised on-field behaviour of franchise owners in the IPL, stressing that such actions are not appropriate in a professional setup.
Viewership gap remains significant
While The Hundred was introduced to attract a new audience, its reach remains limited compared to the IPL. The IPL continues to draw massive global viewership, driven by established franchise bases, international player participation and a longer season.
In contrast, The Hundred operates within a shorter window and largely caters to a domestic audience. Despite initial interest, questions remain over consistency in engagement and long-term growth.
The IPL’s structure, with city-based teams and a well-defined format, has helped build sustained interest over the years. Modi’s remarks reflect a broader view among some stakeholders that newer formats need deeper acceptance at multiple levels of the game to succeed.