We could've gotten Kohli, Dhoni for The Hundred: Mark Butcher

The Board of Control for Cricket in India seems to have finalized the schedule and venue for the remaining games of the IPL. However, things could have been different if ECB had agreed to prepone the forthcoming Test series between India and England. Former England cricketer Mark Butcher has stated that England has missed an enormous opportunity due to ECB's decision. The Indian cricket board wanted ECB to prepone the Test series by a few days or reduce the gap between matches. The BCCI had requested ECB so that they can get a bigger window for the remainder of IPL Season 14. However, considering logistical issues and a possible clash with 'The Hundred', the England cricket board turned down the request.

I think it's a massive missed opportunity: Mark Butcher

Mark Butcher feels that if ECB had accepted BCCI's request, they would've gotten the leverage of getting players like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni to play in The Hundred. Furthermore, Butcher believes that the cricketing world would've praised the ECB for making the required adjustments in order for the BCCI to complete the IPL 2021 season. Such a situation would have definitely earned them the leverage that they have now missed. 

Talking about "The Hundred", it is a professional franchise 100-ball cricket competition. It involves eight men's and women's teams located in major cities across England and Wales. The format was created to attract younger and more diverse audiences to watch the sports. Cricket fans can watch with the expectation that the shorter format will mean each match lasts around two-and-a-half hours. The BBC will also show free-to-air broadcasts of the tournament. In addition, all the matches will be available to stream for free on Sky Sports YouTube channel. The highly anticipated tournament, organized by the England Cricket Board will start on July 21. There will be a men's edition along with the women's competition, which is likely to commence on July 22.

The BCCI is also likely to permit its U23 players to participate in England's The Hundred. It will see prominent cricketers (both men and women) playing in the competition later this year in the English summer. The first season of the tournament will take place this year. Earlier, it was unlikely that the BCCI will allow players to participate in the maiden edition of the competition because of time constraints.

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