Leicestershire CEO Warns of 'Premier League Moment' in County Cricket

County cricket is facing a pivotal moment as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) prepares to sell equity stakes in the Hundred. Leicestershire's chief executive, Sean Jarvis, has raised concerns that the move could create a significant divide between the haves and have-nots in the sport, similar to the situation in English football.

Despite Leicestershire's recent successes, including winning the Metro Bank One-Day Cup and topping Division Two of the County Championship, the club was overlooked for a Tier 1 team in the new women's competition from 2025. This decision has left Leicestershire as one of seven first-class teams that will not host international men's cricket, Hundred matches, or top-flight women's domestic games from next year onwards.

Jarvis believes that this could have a detrimental impact on Leicestershire's ability to remain relevant in a rapidly changing game. He compares the situation to the Premier League's breakaway from the Football League in 1992, which led to a widening gap between the top clubs and the rest.

The ECB's decision on the future of the Hundred is expected to further exacerbate this divide. Host venues are likely to receive a 51% equity share of their respective teams, while the remaining counties will share up to 30% of the competition's remaining value.

Jarvis argues that the "Open Pyramid" option for the Hundred, which would allow all 18 counties to compete in a two-tiered structure with the prospect of promotion and relegation, should be considered. He believes that this would ensure that all clubs have the opportunity to win silverware and compete at the highest level.

Despite the challenges, Jarvis recognizes that a major overhaul of Leicestershire's home ground, Grace Road, is overdue. He believes that the club's share of the Hundred windfall, combined with strategic partnerships, will allow Leicestershire to create a venue that can better serve the needs of its large sporting community.

Tags: #CountyCricket, #Hundred, #ECB, #Leicestershire, #PremierLeague