Major League Cricket 2024 to Overlap with The Hundred, Impacting Player Availability
Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 is poised to coincide with The Hundred this year, causing a scheduling clash that may affect the availability of overseas players in both leagues. The overlap, spanning six days in July, presents challenges for teams and players alike.
Last year, MLC’s inaugural season concluded just before The Hundred commenced. However, the situation differs this year as both leagues are set to run simultaneously. The Hundred’s group stage begins on July 23, while MLC extends until its final on July 28, with knockout fixtures starting on July 24.
Of the 24 overseas players contracted for The Hundred, twelve have already been announced as signings or retentions in MLC, with more potentially following suit before MLC’s commencement on July 5. The majority of these players are expected to remain in the United States until their MLC franchises are eliminated.
However, exceptions may arise, as seen with coach Stephen Fleming, who coaches in MLC but is prioritizing The Hundred with his team, the Southern Brave. Despite potential conflicts, Fleming’s commitment underscores the importance of balancing responsibilities across leagues.
The clash in scheduling could result in certain Hundred teams missing key overseas players for their opening fixtures. For example, Fleming’s Brave might be without Kieron Pollard, Akeal Hosein, and Finn Allen for their first match due to their MLC commitments.
MLC’s allure to players is partly attributed to higher wages compared to The Hundred. Last year, MLC offered a top salary of around US$175,000 for a minimum of five games across two-and-a-half weeks, surpassing The Hundred’s top salary of £125,000 for a minimum of eight games across four weeks.
The scheduling overlap not only impacts player availability but also the star power of the opening week of The Hundred. Additionally, the clash coincides with the England vs. West Indies Test at Edgbaston, further complicating scheduling for cricket enthusiasts.
Despite the challenges, MLC remains an attractive prospect, particularly for Australian players, with Steven Smith, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, and Jake Fraser-McGurk set to feature. The league’s partnerships with Australian states and recent tours further enhance its appeal.
Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is exploring avenues to strengthen The Hundred’s financial model, including selling equity stakes in teams to private investors. Discussions are ongoing, with the aim of creating a more sustainable framework for cricket in England.
As cricket leagues continue to evolve, managing scheduling conflicts and player commitments remains essential for the sport’s growth and success.