ECB Scraps Controversial Hundred-Branded Balls After Player Backlash

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has abandoned the use of the controversial white Kookaburra balls branded specifically for The Hundred, following widespread criticism from players over their performance during last year’s tournament.

The balls, which featured The Hundred’s prominent “H” logo, were accused of skewing the balance between bat and ball, contributing to unusually low scoring rates in the men's competition. In 2024, scoring dipped to just 1.37 runs per ball — significantly lower than other top franchise leagues like the IPL, Major League Cricket, and SA20.

Players, including senior figures like Moeen Ali, voiced concerns about the balls’ unusually lacquered, “plasticky” feel and pronounced seam. “Every game, it seems the ball is nipping. Most teams are 30 for 5 in most games,” Moeen said in an interview with The Cricketer last year.

ECB Investigation Finds Limited Evidence of Faulty Ball Design

Kookaburra maintained that the branded balls were manufactured to the same specifications as other white-ball formats, apart from the logo imprint. Over the winter, the ECB commissioned a detailed review into the ball’s performance. While the study found little evidence of design-related discrepancies, ball-tracking data did reveal increased seam movement and swing, particularly early in innings.

However, the investigation concluded that these effects were more likely due to other factors, such as pitch conditions, weather, and the Hundred’s unique structure — which allows bowlers to deliver 15 of the first 20 balls — rather than any inherent flaw in the ball itself.

A Move to Improve Perception and Batting Conditions

Despite the inconclusive findings, the ECB has chosen to revert to the standard Kookaburra balls used in the T20 Blast for the 2025 edition of The Hundred, in both the men’s and women’s competitions. The move is aimed at addressing persistent player concerns and restoring confidence in the fairness of the playing conditions.

The hope is that removing the controversial branded balls will lead to more balanced contests and boost run-scoring, particularly in a format designed to be fast-paced and entertaining.

Immediate Impact Still Unclear

The effect of the change was not immediately evident in the opening game of the men’s competition on Tuesday night. London Spirit were skittled for just 80 by Oval Invincibles on a slow, two-paced surface at Lord’s, with Rashid Khan claiming a match-winning 3 for 11 on debut.

“It was a tough wicket to bat on,” Rashid said post-match, suggesting the pitch rather than the ball was again the key factor in the low total.

Still, with scoring trends and player feedback likely to be closely monitored throughout the 2025 season, the ECB will hope that the return to a more traditional ball helps The Hundred regain its attacking flair and entertainment value.