The Hundred 5 weeks summer is one of the most exciting events in the UK cricket calendar. The tournament brings together eight men’s and eight women’s teams for five weeks of fast-paced 100-ball cricket. Played during the summer holidays, it offers shorter matches, family-friendly entertainment, and a festival atmosphere that attracts both new and experienced cricket fans.
Many people search for answers about how long The Hundred cricket tournament lasts, why it is only five weeks long, when it starts and finishes, and where to find the latest schedule and fixtures. Fans also want information about tickets, ticket prices, venues, teams, TV coverage, and the simple rules that make The Hundred different from traditional cricket formats.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about The Hundred 5 weeks summer. From the full schedule and fixtures to teams, venues, live streaming, family experiences, and beginner-friendly rules, you’ll find all the essential information in one place to help you enjoy the tournament from start to finish.
- What The Hundred is and how the 100-ball format works.
- Why the tournament is played over just five weeks.
- When The Hundred starts and finishes during the UK summer.
- The latest schedule, fixtures, and match timetable.
- Details about the men’s and women’s teams.
- Ticket information, prices, and when tickets go on sale.
- The major venues hosting matches across England and Wales.
- Where to watch live matches on BBC and Sky Sports.
- The Hundred rules explained for beginners.
- How The Hundred compares with T20 cricket.
- Family-friendly activities and matchday experiences.
- Frequently asked questions about the tournament.
The Hundred 5 Weeks Summer: Complete Guide to Schedule Teams Tickets Venues TV Coverage & Rules
Every summer cricket fans across the UK look forward to The Hundred, a fast-paced competition that brings together the best players in men’s and women’s cricket. Unlike traditional tournaments, The Hundred is played over a compact five-week period, making it easy for families, casual viewers, and dedicated fans to follow.
Many people search for questions like “How long is The Hundred cricket tournament?”, “Why is The Hundred only 5 weeks long?”, and “When does The Hundred start and finish in summer?”. This guide answers all of those questions while covering tickets, fixtures, venues, teams, TV coverage, and everything else you need to know.
Whether you are planning to buy tickets, watch matches on BBC or Sky Sports, or simply understand the unique 100-ball format, this article will help you make the most of The Hundred summer cricket experience.
What Is The Hundred?
The Hundred is a professional 100-ball cricket tournament organised by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). It features eight men’s teams and eight women’s teams competing across England and Wales.
The competition was designed to make cricket easier to understand. Shorter matches, simple rules, and a festival atmosphere have helped attract new fans. Families and younger audiences especially enjoy the event because games are shorter than traditional cricket matches.
Unlike T20 cricket, each innings consists of exactly 100 balls. Bowlers can deliver either five or ten consecutive balls, creating a fresh and exciting style of play.
Key Points
- 100 balls per innings.
- Eight men’s and eight women’s teams.
- Matches usually last around 2.5 hours.
- Played during the UK summer holidays.
- Broadcast on BBC and Sky Sports.
In short, The Hundred combines world-class cricket with entertainment and accessibility.
Why Is The Hundred Only 5 Weeks Long?
One of the most common online questions is, “Why is The Hundred only 5 weeks long?”
The ECB intentionally created a shorter tournament to fit into the busy English cricket calendar. County cricket, international matches, and other domestic competitions already occupy much of the season.
Holding the competition during school summer holidays also helps families attend matches together. Evening games and weekend fixtures attract larger crowds and create a festival-like atmosphere.
A compact five-week window also keeps excitement high. Fans can easily follow every match without feeling overwhelmed by a long season.
Why the Five-Week Format Works
- Fits around county and international cricket.
- Coincides with school holidays.
- Increases television audiences.
- Makes attending matches easier.
- Maintains excitement throughout the tournament.
The five-week format is one of the main reasons The Hundred has become so popular.
How Long Is The Hundred Cricket Tournament?
The Hundred usually runs for approximately five weeks during July and August. The exact dates change slightly each year, but the overall structure remains the same.
Many new fans wonder if the tournament lasts the entire summer. The answer is no. It is designed as a short, action-packed competition.
Individual matches also move quickly. A standard Hundred game takes around two and a half hours, making it ideal for families and evening entertainment.
Whether you mean an individual match or the entire tournament window, here is the direct breakdown:
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A Single Match: Lasts approximately 2.5 hours (150 minutes). Each team gets exactly 100 balls to bat.
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The Whole Tournament: Runs for roughly 4 to 5 weeks over the summer (typically from late July through August).
Tournament Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Length | Around 5 weeks |
| Match Format | 100 balls per innings |
| Match Duration | About 2.5 hours |
| Teams | 8 Men’s + 8 Women’s |
| Season | UK Summer |
The shorter format allows fans to enjoy high-quality cricket without a huge time commitment.
When Does The Hundred Start and Finish in Summer?
People often search for “When does The Hundred start 2026?” and “When does The Hundred start and finish in summer?”
The competition traditionally begins in late July and concludes during August with the knockout matches and final. The schedule is carefully planned to maximise attendance and television coverage.
The opening week often features exciting local rivalries, while the final weekend attracts thousands of supporters from across the country.
Checking the official fixture list before the season starts is the best way to stay updated.
What to Expect
- Opening matches in late July.
- Group-stage fixtures throughout August.
- Men’s and women’s matches played together.
- Semi-finals before the final weekend.
- Championship final at one of the major venues.
The summer schedule gives fans five weeks of continuous cricket entertainment.
The Hundred Schedule and Fixtures
The schedule and fixture framework for The Hundred 2026 season spans from July 21 to August 16, 2026.
The tournament features 68 matches in total (34 men’s and 34 women’s), with double-headers played at the same venue on the same day.
Opening Week Fixtures
| Date | Matchup | Venue | Men’s Start (Local / BST) |
| Tue, 21 July | MI London vs Sunrisers Leeds | The Kia Oval, London | 6:30 PM |
| Wed, 22 July | Southern Brave vs Welsh Fire | Utilita Bowl, Southampton | 6:30 PM |
| Thu, 23 July | London Spirit vs Manchester Super Giants | Lord’s, London | 6:30 PM |
| Fri, 24 July | Birmingham Phoenix vs Trent Rockets | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 6:30 PM |
| Sat, 25 July | Sunrisers Leeds vs Southern Brave | Headingley, Leeds | 2:30 PM |
| Sat, 25 July | Welsh Fire vs MI London | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | 6:00 PM |
| Sun, 26 July | Manchester Super Giants vs Birmingham Phoenix | Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester | 2:30 PM |
| Sun, 26 July | Trent Rockets vs London Spirit | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | 6:00 PM |
Note: Women’s fixtures take place earlier on the same days at the same venues (typically starting at 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, or 3:00 PM depending on the slot).
Key Mid-Tournament Clashes
The group stage runs daily through to August 12. A few notable rivalries and key match dates include:
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The London Derby: MI London vs London Spirit on Wednesday, July 29 (The Kia Oval) and the reverse fixture on Thursday, August 6 (Lord’s).
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The Roses/Northern Clash: Sunrisers Leeds vs Manchester Super Giants on Tuesday, July 28 (Headingley) and Tuesday, August 11 (Emirates Old Trafford).
Knockout Stage
Following the 32 group-stage matchdays, the top three teams in the standings advance to the finals weekend.
The Hundred Teams 2026
The competition features eight city-based franchises representing different regions.
Men’s and Women’s Teams
- London Spirit
- Oval Invincibles
- Manchester Originals
- Northern Superchargers
- Birmingham Phoenix
- Trent Rockets
- Southern Brave
- Welsh Fire
Every season brings new excitement through player drafts, overseas signings, and The Hundred auction.
Fans also search for information about team owners, overseas players, and squad announcements before the tournament begins.
Team Facts
- Eight men’s squads.
- Eight women’s squads.
- International stars join every year.
- Player auctions add excitement.
- Home grounds across England and Wales.
The franchise system creates strong local support and exciting rivalries.
The Hundred Tickets and Ticket Prices
Tickets for The Hundred 2026 season are structured to remain highly affordable, particularly for families and younger fans. Every ticket purchase grants access to both matches of the scheduled double-header (the women’s match and the men’s match back-to-back).
General Ticket Pricing
Prices vary slightly depending on the venue, the tier of seating, and whether you purchase during the early-bird windows, but the general pricing tiers remain highly consistent across the eight franchises:
| Ticket Type | Price Range / Rule |
| Adults | From £10 to £14+ (Early-bird / Standard minimums vary by venue) |
| Juniors (Ages 3–15) | Fixed at £5 for any match, including the finals |
| Infants (Ages 2 & under) | Free (Must sit on a parent’s lap) |
Priority Windows & On-Sale Dates
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) releases tickets in specific staggered windows to manage high demand.
Ticket Information
| Ticket Type | Typical Option |
|---|---|
| Adult Ticket | Standard entry |
| Junior Ticket | Reduced price |
| Family Package | Multiple seats |
| Season Pass | Several matches |
| Final Tickets | Premium pricing |
Before Buying Tickets
- Check official sale dates.
- Compare venue prices.
- Book early for popular games.
- Review refund policies.
- Look for family offers.
Buying early usually gives fans the best choice of seats and prices.
The Hundred Venues
The Hundred is played at some of England and Wales’ most famous cricket grounds.
Popular venues include:
- Lord’s
- The Oval
- Edgbaston
- Headingley
- Old Trafford
- Trent Bridge
- Sophia Gardens
- Utilita Bowl
Many visitors also search for parking options, nearby hotels, family seating areas, and food policies before attending.
Venue Tips
- Arrive early to avoid queues.
- Check parking availability.
- Review stadium food rules.
- Book nearby hotels in advance.
- Choose family-friendly stands if visiting with children.
Each venue offers its own unique atmosphere and matchday experience.
Is The Hundred on BBC or Sky Sports?
A common question every summer is, “Is The Hundred cricket on BBC TV this summer?”
The competition is available through a combination of free-to-air and subscription broadcasting. BBC shows selected live matches, while Sky Sports provides broader coverage.
Fans can also follow live scorecards, match updates, and highlights online.
Viewing Options
- BBC live coverage.
- Sky Sports broadcasts.
- Live streaming services.
- Official scorecards.
- Match highlights.
The mix of free and premium coverage makes The Hundred accessible to a wide audience.
The Hundred Rules Explained for Beginners
The Hundred was created to simplify cricket for new fans.
Unlike T20, teams face exactly 100 balls. Bowlers can deliver either five or ten consecutive balls, and matches move quickly.
If a knockout game ends in a tie, special tie-break procedures determine the winner.
Simple Rules
- 100 balls per innings.
- Five or ten-ball bowling spells.
- 25-ball powerplay.
- Around 2.5-hour match duration.
- Tie-break rules for knockout matches.
The simple format helps first-time viewers enjoy cricket without learning complicated rules.
Why Families Love The Hundred
The tournament was built with families in mind.
School holiday scheduling, live music, entertainment, and shorter matches create an enjoyable day out. Many stadiums offer activities for children before the cricket begins.
Family ticket packages also make attending more affordable.
Family Benefits
- School holiday timing.
- Kid-friendly entertainment.
- Shorter matches.
- Affordable tickets.
- Festival atmosphere.
The Hundred has become one of the UK’s most family-friendly sporting events.
FAQs
How long does a Hundred cricket match last?
Most matches last around two and a half hours.
Why is The Hundred only five weeks long?
It fits the English cricket calendar and school summer holidays.
When does The Hundred start in 2026?
The tournament is expected to begin during late July.
Is The Hundred played throughout the summer?
No. It runs for approximately five weeks.
Is The Hundred on BBC?
Selected matches are usually shown live on BBC.
How many teams compete?
Eight men’s teams and eight women’s teams.
Can I buy family tickets?
Yes. Family packages are generally available.
What happens if a match ends in a tie?
Special tie-break rules apply, particularly in knockout matches.
Final Thoughts
The Hundred has quickly become one of the highlights of the UK sporting calendar. Its five-week summer schedule, exciting 100-ball format, family-friendly atmosphere, and world-class players make it different from any other cricket competition. Whether you want to check the latest fixtures, compare ticket prices, learn the rules, explore the venues, or simply understand why the tournament lasts only five weeks, this guide covers everything you need to know. As the next season approaches, keeping an eye on official schedules and ticket releases will help you enjoy every moment of The Hundred summer cricket festival.