In 2025, the Hundred Men’s Competition returns for the fifth season, offering fast-paced cricket across England and Wales.
The ECB organizes, while the eight city-based teams are competing in the popular 100-ball format, making this a fun way for today’s cricket fans.
All teams have international stars, local players, and England legends. Get ready, as the competition starts on August 5, millions of fans are expected to attend to witness thrilling finishes, huge sixes, and unbelievable crowds.
This stage the ultimate guide to The Hundred Men 2025, including the rules, teams, fixtures, tickets and latest news. No matter whether you are new to the game or a diehard fan, you will find everything you need in this guide.
The Hundred Rules Explained
The Hundred operates under a unique set of rules that distinguish it from traditional cricket formats, creating faster gameplay and enhanced entertainment value.
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Balls per innings | 100 balls per team |
| Overs | Not traditional—bowlers deliver either 5 or 10 consecutive balls |
| Bowlers | Maximum 20 balls per bowler per innings |
| Change of ends | Occurs every 10 balls instead of traditional 6-ball overs |
| Strategic Timeout | Each bowling team gets one 90-second tactical break |
| Powerplay | First 25 balls with only 2 fielders outside the 30-yard circle |
| Match Duration | Approximately 2.5 hours per game |
| Points System | Win = 2 points, Tie = 1 point, No result = 1 point each |
The simplified rules provide vibrant and dynamic gameplay where every ball matters. The adaptable bowling spells give captains more tactical freedom, and the powerplay period provides an aggressive approach from the outset.
Strategic timeouts are great for television, but also give teams key moments to regroup.
The 100-ball format means matches will finish in a television-friendly window, making cricket accessible to busy families (platform) or viewers who casually watch at home.
In traditional cricket when momentum can shift slowly over a long period of time, The Hundred compressed format means drama and the game can change dramatically within a few (perhaps even one) deliveries.
The Hundred 2025 Schedule and Fixtures
The Hundred 2025 season kicks off on August 5 and runs through August 31, packing 27 days with high-stakes matchups, packed crowds, and double-header thrillers.
| S.No. | Match | Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | London Spirit vs Oval Invincibles | 5 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | Lord’s |
| 2 | Manchester Originals vs Southern Brave | 6 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | Old Trafford |
| 3 | Northern Superchargers vs Welsh Fire | 7 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | Headingley |
| 4 | Birmingham Phoenix vs Trent Rockets | 8 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | Edgbaston |
| 5 | Oval Invincibles vs Manchester Originals | 9 Aug 2025 | 07:00 PM | The Oval |
| 6 | Welsh Fire vs London Spirit | 9 Aug 2025 | 10:30 PM | Sophia Gardens |
| 7 | Southern Brave vs Birmingham Phoenix | 10 Aug 2025 | 07:00 PM | The Rose Bowl |
| 8 | Trent Rockets vs Northern Superchargers | 10 Aug 2025 | 10:30 PM | Trent Bridge |
| 9 | Manchester Originals vs London Spirit | 11 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | Old Trafford |
| 10 | Birmingham Phoenix vs Oval Invincibles | 12 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | Edgbaston |
| 11 | Southern Brave vs Northern Superchargers | 13 Aug 2025 | 07:30 PM | The Rose Bowl |
| 12 | Welsh Fire vs Manchester Originals | 13 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | Sophia Gardens |
| 13 | London Spirit vs Trent Rockets | 14 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | Lord’s |
| 14 | Northern Superchargers vs Birmingham Phoenix | 15 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | Headingley |
| 15 | Trent Rockets vs Southern Brave | 16 Aug 2025 | 07:00 PM | Trent Bridge |
| 16 | Oval Invincibles vs Welsh Fire | 16 Aug 2025 | 10:30 PM | The Oval |
| 17 | Manchester Originals vs Northern Superchargers | 17 Aug 2025 | 07:00 PM | Old Trafford |
| 18 | Birmingham Phoenix vs London Spirit | 17 Aug 2025 | 10:30 PM | Edgbaston |
| 19 | Southern Brave vs Oval Invincibles | 18 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | The Rose Bowl |
| 20 | Trent Rockets vs Manchester Originals | 19 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | Trent Bridge |
| 21 | Welsh Fire vs Southern Brave | 20 Aug 2025 | 07:30 PM | Sophia Gardens |
| 22 | London Spirit vs Northern Superchargers | 20 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | Lord’s |
| 23 | Oval Invincibles vs Trent Rockets | 21 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | The Oval |
| 24 | Birmingham Phoenix vs Welsh Fire | 22 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | Edgbaston |
| 25 | Northern Superchargers vs Oval Invincibles | 23 Aug 2025 | 07:00 PM | Headingley |
| 26 | London Spirit vs Southern Brave | 23 Aug 2025 | 10:30 PM | Lord’s |
| 27 | Welsh Fire vs Trent Rockets | 24 Aug 2025 | 07:00 PM | Sophia Gardens |
| 28 | Manchester Originals vs Birmingham Phoenix | 24 Aug 2025 | 10:30 PM | Old Trafford |
| 29 | Oval Invincibles vs London Spirit | 25 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | The Oval |
| 30 | Northern Superchargers vs Manchester Originals | 26 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | Headingley |
| 31 | Trent Rockets vs Birmingham Phoenix | 27 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | Trent Bridge |
| 32 | Southern Brave vs Welsh Fire | 28 Aug 2025 | 11:00 PM | The Rose Bowl |
| Eliminator | TBA | 30 Aug 2025 | 10:30 PM | The Oval |
| Final | TBA | 31 Aug 2025 | 10:30 PM | Lord’s |
The tournament features a round-robin format where each team plays multiple matches before the top teams qualify for the knockout stages.
Double-headers typically feature both men’s and women’s matches on the same day, maximising entertainment value for spectators.
Teams in The Hundred Men’s Competition
Eight city-based franchises represent different regions across England and Wales, each with distinct identities and passionate local followings.
| Team | City | Home Ground | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Phoenix | Birmingham | Edgbaston | Orange & Black |
| London Spirit | London | Lord’s | Blue |
| Manchester Originals | Manchester | Old Trafford | Black |
| Northern Superchargers | Leeds | Headingley | Purple |
| Oval Invincibles | London | The Oval | Green |
| Southern Brave | Southampton | Ageas Bowl | Dark Green |
| Trent Rockets | Nottingham | Trent Bridge | Yellow |
| Welsh Fire | Cardiff | Sophia Gardens | Red |
The Hundred has eight city-based franchises across England and Wales, each with their own heritage based in the famous local cricket grounds and communities.
From London’s buzzing streets to Manchester’s cosmopolitan feel, and the foundations in Birmingham, Leeds, Cardiff, Nottingham, and Southampton – each team has its own cultural flavour – colours, crowds and rivalries.
The competition displays a combination of tradition and style, with a strong sense of local identity that shapes the tournament’s character.
As we move towards the 2025 season, defending champions Oval Invincibles have set the standard, but every team will be determined to leave their mark.
Prize Money and Sponsorships (2025)
The Hundred 2025 has a sizeable prize total of more than £600,000 for the Men’s tournament.
Each Men’s tournament winner is paid around £150,000 which is significant to the players and teams.
Cazoo is the title sponsor, with New Balance. The BBC and Sky Sports are the major broadcasters.
Revenue streams encompass broadcasting rights worth millions, merchandise sales, and ticket sales across eight venues.
The Hundred’s commercial success stems from its family-friendly format, prime-time television slots, and star-studded player lineups that attract both traditional cricket fans and new audiences seeking entertainment-focused sport.
Past Winners of The Hundred (Men’s)
Here’s a look at the past champions and runners-up of The Hundred Men’s competition since 2021.
| Year | Champion Team | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Oval Invincibles | Southern Brave |
| 2023 | Oval Invincibles | Manchester Originals |
| 2022 | Trent Rockets | Manchester Originals |
| 2021 | Southern Brave | Birmingham Phoenix |
Oval Invincibles have established themselves as the premier franchise for The Hundred by becoming the champion for the second consecutive time in 2023 and 2024.
Their successful 2024 title defense came in a 17-run victory over Southern Brave at Lord’s, featuring a brilliant bowling display from Saqib Mahmood that sealed a second consecutive title.
This dominance establishes them as the team to beat in 2025, though Manchester Originals’ two final appearances demonstrate their consistent competitiveness across multiple seasons.
How to Buy Tickets for The Hundred 2025
Tickets are only available from thehundred.com, the tournament’s official site.
Early bird pricing will be active until July 1, 2025, so if you buy early, you can save considerably!
Adult tickets from £14, and children aged 3-15 from just £5, with under-2s free.
Season tickets covering all four home games are available for dedicated supporters. Each venue offers hospitality packages for premium experiences.
The Hundred Eliminator and Final require separate ticket purchases and are not included in standard season passes.
Families benefit from specially designed ticket packages that make cricket affordable and accessible for all ages.
How does the Player Draft & Squad Selection Process take place in Hundred?
The Hundred employs an annual player draft system with structured salary bands and designated marquee player slots.
Each franchise can retain a limited number of players from previous seasons while accessing new talent through the draft process.
Overseas player limits typically restrict teams to three international stars per squad, ensuring opportunities for domestic talent.
Wildcard picks allow teams to select emerging players outside the main draft structure.
England national team players integrate into squads when available between international commitments.
Unlike IPL-style auctions with open bidding, The Hundred uses predetermined salary brackets and strategic draft picks, creating more controlled squad building that balances star power with budget management.
How The Hundred Is Different From IPL or T20 Leagues
The Hundred distinguishes itself from other cricket leagues through several key innovations designed for British audiences and modern entertainment preferences.
| Feature | The Hundred | IPL / T20 |
|---|---|---|
| Balls per innings | 100 | 120 (20 overs) |
| Team structure | City-based (UK only) | Franchise (India + global) |
| Game duration | ~2.5 hours | ~3.5 hours |
| Bowling | Flexible spell length (5 or 10 balls) | Traditional 6-ball overs |
| Double headers | Often men’s & women’s same day | Rarely together |
The shorter format creates more intense gameplay where every ball carries greater significance.
City-based teams foster genuine local connections rather than franchise-style ownership.
Equal billing for men’s and women’s cricket promotes gender equality in sport. The compressed timeframe suits busy lifestyles while maintaining cricket’s strategic elements.
The Hundred Impact on English Cricket Development
The Hundred has revolutionised English cricket’s approach to player development and fan engagement since its 2021 launch.
Young players from county circuits gain unprecedented exposure to high-pressure situations alongside international stars, accelerating their development pathways.
The tournament provides an equal platform for men’s and women’s cricket, inspiring a new generation of female cricketers.
Grassroots participation has increased significantly through school programs and community initiatives linked to The Hundred franchises.
The revamped fanbase now includes more youth engagement and diverse audiences, expanding cricket’s traditional demographic boundaries and ensuring the sport’s long-term sustainability in England and Wales.
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Conclusion: The Hundred is a 100-ball tournament starting in August 2025 across England and Wales
Every ball delivers drama as global stars, rising talents, and roaring crowds take center stage.
This summer’s battle promises to be the fiercest yet. Whether you’re here for the sport or the show, circle August 5—when The Hundred erupts into action.
FAQs
Eight city-based franchises represent different regions of England and Wales in The Hundred Men’s tournament.
Oval Invincibles clinched The Hundred 2024 men’s title after defeating Southern Brave by 17 runs in the final at Lord’s.
The Hundred uses 100 balls per innings, has shorter match duration, flexible bowling options, and added fan-focused entertainment.
The Hundred matches are typically available to Indian viewers via digital streaming platforms—check current broadcasting partnerships for the 2025 season.
Yes, the Women’s Hundred runs concurrently with the men’s tournament, using the same format and featuring equal billing.
