The UK summer isn’t just about sunshine and holidays; it’s also synonymous with the electrifying return of The Hundred! Now entering its fifth season, this action-packed 100-ball cricket tournament has firmly established itself as a must-see event, blending thrilling on-field action with a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
From explosive hitting to dramatic wickets, The Hundred offers a unique, fast-paced version of cricket that appeals to seasoned fans and newcomers alike. Get ready for music, entertainment, and world-class talent battling it out across the country!
What is The Hundred?
For those new to the format, The Hundred is a dynamic cricket competition featuring eight city-based teams from across England and Wales. Each innings consists of just 100 balls, making for quick, intense matches that last approximately two and a half hours. Bowlers deliver either five or ten consecutive balls, and there’s a strategic timeout for each bowling side, adding to the tactical intrigue. It’s designed to be accessible, exciting, and perfect for a family day out.
The 2025 Season: Dates, Teams & Venues
Mark your calendars! The Hundred 2025 season kicks off on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, and culminates with The Final on Sunday, August 31st, 2025. The tournament will once again feature men’s and women’s double-headers, meaning you get two fantastic matches for the price of one ticket at most venues!
Here’s a look at the eight city-based teams and their home grounds, along with key players to watch:
- Birmingham Phoenix
- Home Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
- Key Players to Watch: Expect strong performances from Liam Livingstone (Men’s Captain), Ben Duckett, and overseas stars like Ellyse Perry (Women’s Captain, Australia), Trent Boult (New Zealand), and Megan Schutt (Australia).
- London Spirit
- Home Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London (also hosts The Final)
- Key Players to Watch: Keep an eye on Australian powerhouse David Warner, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, and England’s Heather Knight (Women’s Captain) and Liam Dawson.
- Manchester Originals
- Home Venue: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
- Key Players to Watch: England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, James Anderson, was excitingly picked up as a Vitality Wildcard, making his highly anticipated debut. Look for explosive play from Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, alongside overseas stars like Amelia Kerr (New Zealand) and Beth Mooney (Australia).
- Northern Superchargers
- Home Venue: Headingley, Leeds
- Key Players to Watch: Young talent Rocky Flintoff, son of England legend Andrew Flintoff, was chosen as a Vitality Wildcard, joining his father who coaches the team. Other key players include Harry Brook, Adil Rashid, and overseas stars like Phoebe Litchfield (Australia) and David Miller (South Africa).
- Oval Invincibles (Defending Men’s Champions!)
- Home Venue: The Kia Oval, London (also hosts The Eliminator)
- Key Players to Watch: As defending champions, expect a strong squad led by Sam Billings (Men’s Captain), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, and overseas star Rashid Khan (Afghanistan). For the women, look out for Marizanne Kapp (South Africa) and Meg Lanning (Australia).
- Southern Brave
- Home Venue: Utilita Bowl, Southampton
- Key Players to Watch: Expect explosive performances from James Vince (Men’s Captain), Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, and overseas players like Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) and Sophie Devine (New Zealand).
- Trent Rockets
- Home Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
- Key Players to Watch: Former England Test captain Joe Root, all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt (Women’s Captain), and overseas talents like Ash Gardner (Australia) and Marcus Stoinis (Australia) will be central to their campaign.
- Welsh Fire
- Home Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
- Key Players to Watch: Look for powerful hitting from Jonny Bairstow and Steve Smith (Australia), alongside West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews (Women’s Captain) and England’s Tammy Beaumont.
What’s New for 2025?
While the core format remains the same, The Hundred continues to evolve. For 2025, teams had increased flexibility with direct signings, allowing them to secure key overseas players and domestic talent outside of the main draft. The Vitality Wildcard Draft also played a crucial role in bringing in standout domestic performers from the early stages of the English cricket season. This aims to strengthen squads and enhance competition. The focus remains on delivering a high-energy, entertaining product for fans.
Get Your Tickets!
Tickets for The Hundred are known for being family-friendly, with Under 16s tickets typically costing just £5! General sale for the 2025 season began in April, but it’s always worth checking the official website for remaining availability, especially for popular matches.
The atmosphere at The Hundred matches is truly unique, with live music performances, fan zones, and plenty of entertainment alongside the cricket. It’s a fantastic day out for all ages, whether you’re a cricket fanatic or just looking for a fun summer experience.
The Hundred 2025 is set to be another spectacular summer of cricket. With its fast-paced format, star players, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to experience top-tier sport in the UK. Don’t miss out on the action!
Find fixtures and ticket information at the official website: www.thehundred.com
Who are you backing to lift the trophy this year? Let us know in the comments!
Last Updated on August 3, 2025 by Sports Tourist
