The Hundred has continued to make waves in English cricket, drawing huge crowds and record-breaking audiences in its first five years. Since launching in 2021, more than 2.5 million fans have attended matches across the competition, with 1.5 million of those supporting the women’s tournament. Notably, over 200,000 people bought tickets to their first-ever cricket game through The Hundred, highlighting the competition’s success in reaching new audiences.
The 2025 season alone saw 580,000 tickets sold, with record attendances at four grounds and 22,542 fans at the women’s final. A range of people are attending, with group tickets accounting for 41% of those bought, while 30% of tickets went to female fans. Viewing figures also soared, with Sky Sports audiences up 38% on 2024 and BBC Sport reporting 2.2 million online viewing requests. Across digital platforms, The Hundred has amassed over one billion video views since its inception.
Why Has The Hundred Succeeded?
The Hundred was created with a clear purpose: to bring cricket to a wider audience while complementing the sport’s historic competitions. Designed to be fast-paced, high-energy, and appealing to a broader audience, it addresses the realities of modern life where people have more choices for their leisure time.
Research shows that many perceive traditional cricket as too long or complex. By offering a game that lasts around three hours and finishes by 9pm, The Hundred meets the expectations of a different audience and new fans, while its city-based teams resonate with a population that increasingly identifies with urban communities rather than counties.
Beyond the format itself, The Hundred has created a spectacle that captures new audiences and inspires participation. BBC Music Introducing has used the event to provide a platform to new musicians between innings, for instance. Major investment in broadcast and digital coverage has also ensured fans can experience every ball – live or on catch-up – while the official The Hundred Fantasy Game has enhanced engagement.
The Expanding Appeal of Cricket
Cricket’s push to attract new audiences extends well beyond stadiums and broadcast coverage, with the sport increasingly crossing into mainstream entertainment and digital culture. Netflix, for example, has released documentaries such as The Greatest Rivalry: India vs Pakistan, while TV projects like the BBC’s Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams have showcased the game’s social impact in local communities.
iGaming has embraced the sport, too. Titles like NetEnt’s Premier League Cricket and Microgaming’s Cricket Star now offer fans an alternative to longstanding online slots UK favourites like the fishing-themed Big Bass Splash and Big Bass Amazon Xtreme. At the same time, immersive technologies are opening fresh avenues such as VR titles like iB Cricket, which realistically puts players in the crease to bat against the world’s best bowlers.
“Throw Open Cricket’s Doors”
As Vikram Banerjee notes, The Hundred’s purpose has always been to “throw open cricket’s doors” and welcome new audiences into the sport. With strong crowds, increasingly diverse spectators, and record-breaking achievements in the women’s competition, the tournament is delivering on that ambition. Its growing impact shows how The Hundred is helping cricket stay relevant, inclusive, and firmly connected to future generations.
Also Read:
- IND vs ENG: Jadeja, Sundar, Gill Hundreds Help India Earn Dramatic Draw Against England in 4th Test
- “If There Are No Bilateral Matches, Why Play in Multination Events?”: Azharuddin on India-Pakistan Asia Cup Clash
- Men’s Asia Cup 2025 To Be Held In UAE; ACC
- Ben Stokes Creates History With 11,000 International Runs And Rare 7,000 Runs-200 Wickets Test Feat
