The Hundred and Major League Cricket (MLC) has reportedly made major adjustments to their schedule for the upcoming 2025 season to avoid overlap, with the aim of having a bright chance of attracting the best male cricketers from around the world.
However, The Hundred and Major League Cricket (MLC) has not officially announced its dates for the next edition, but an ESPNCricinfo report revealed that the American franchise league will run from mid-June to mid-July, ending -se about two weeks before The Hundred. starts at the beginning of August.
The Hundred and Major League Cricket prepares to adjust schedules for 2025 season to avoid overlap
The Hundred and Major League Cricket (MLC) decided to change its window after the two leagues clashed for six days last year and caused logistical and player availability issues in both leagues. In 2024, England's 100-ball tournament dealt with several players arriving late from the MLC, leading to a number of last-minute replacement signings for short spells.
Additionally, Texas Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming had to leave early to join the Southern Braves in the 100-ball tour of England. However, The Hundred will still not have a fully exclusive window in 2025. Despite the impending schedule changes, the 100-ball tournament will overlap with the Caribbean Premier League 2025 (CPL 2025).
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has already announced that its men's tour will run from August 14 to September 21, making the West Indian players unavailable for most of The Hundred 2025. On the other hand, the Women's CPL 2025 is expected to begin in early September, meaning female players will be able to compete in both leagues without conflict.
The 2025 MLC final is likely to overlap with the European T20 Premier League
Meanwhile, the MLC 2025 final will clash with the start of the European T20 Premier League, which is scheduled to run from July 15 to August 3 in Ireland, the Netherlands and Scotland. The full schedule for The Hundred 2025 is expected to be released next week.
The ECB's 100-ball tournament usually runs between July and August, but for 2025, they have apparently planned for August, with no clashes with England's men's or women's international cricket matches. The tour is scheduled to begin immediately after the fifth and final Test between England and India and will conclude with the final weekend on August 31.
On the other hand, Major League Cricket recently appointed Johnny Grave as the league's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Grave served as CEO of Cricket West Indies (CWI) as well as working with Surrey and the Professional Cricketers' Association. Grave's appointment could help strengthen ties between the MLC and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Kane Williamson is set to lead London Spirit into The Hundred 2025
London Spirit are said to be set to make a big move by signing Kane Williamson as captain and they are looking to bring in Jamie Smith from Birmingham Phoenix as a central contract player ahead of next season.
Additionally, Southern Brave are looking to sign Laura Wolvaardt and Manchester Originals are interested in adding Amelia Kerr to their squad. In particular, Cummins, Steven Smith and Travis Head are unlikely to play in the ECB tournament.