ECB to introduce new 100-ball cricket tournament including 10-ball overs in radical shake-up

The ECB's new franchise-based competition starting in 2020 will feature 100-ball matches rather than the previously-mooted T20 format, the governing body has confirmed.

In a surprise announcement on Thursday, the ECB announced the plan for the men's and women's tournaments, each comprising eight franchises that will not be location-specific.

The radical new proposal was met with surprise and bemusement by county players spoken to by The Independent, but Stuart Broad - who has an ECB central contract - gushed about the new tournament on Sky Sports News and particularly the most controversial part of the proposal, a 10-ball over to conclude each innings:

"I'm hugely optimistic, I love the fact that it's different to all the other tournaments worldwide - 15 six-ball overs and then the pressure of a 10-ball over to finish.

"I love the fact it's got a slightly different unique selling point in there, a shorter game than T20, finishing at nine o'clock - perfect for children and families and a great night out."

The plan was put to the chairmen and chief executives of the first-class counties and the MCC by the ECB on Thursday.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: "This is a fresh and exciting idea which will appeal to a younger audience and attract new fans to the game.

"Throughout its development, we have shown leadership, provided challenge and followed a process. We will continue to do that as the concept evolves."

The organisation's chief commercial officer Sanjay Patel, who will be managing director for the new competition, added: "This is 100-ball cricket, a simple approach to reach a new generation. Based on 15 traditional six-ball overs, the other 10 balls will add a fresh tactical dimension.

"Crucially, this will also help differentiate this competition from Vitality Blast and other T20 competitions worldwide, maintaining our game's history of successful innovation."