Sport
Richard Thompson defends The Hundred schedule despite two-day Test turnaround
England and Wales Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson says the scheduling pressures created by The Hundred are a “price worth paying”. In 2026, its final is separated from England’s first Test against Pakistan by only two days. An international window was cleared in July and August so England players could represent their franchises. Stakes in the competition’s eight franchises raised more than £500 million in 2025, with proceeds distributed across professional and domestic cricket. Thompson says the tournament will not occupy more days, even if additional teams are introduced later.