Get ready for edge-of-your-seat cricket drama with The Hundred and Manchester Originals

The Hundred is an action-packed, unmissable, inclusive 100-ball cricket competition that will put you on the edge of your seat with tension and drama.

Now in its fourth year, The Hundred and Manchester originals are set to bring another unmissable season of cricket and music entertainment.

This year’s edition follows a record-breaking third season for Manchester’s official team, which saw a record 59,673 tickets sold across its four home matches.

The cricket returns in just 50 days – so don’t miss out on tickets!

What is The Hundred?

The Hundred takes place over five jam-packed weeks during the British Summer, featuring the best players around the World.

Our local team is Manchester Originals, who take on seven other city-based teams or franchises to see who will come out top dog.

Each team has a women’s and men’s squad, so you can see both teams play on the day.

It’s an all-inclusive, exciting competition – it’s cricket, but not as you know it.

What are the rules?

The rules are very similar to regular cricket, but to keep it simple, whoever scores the most runs wins.

The Hundred keeps things simple and fun. Check out this explainer video below.

Music and Live Entertainment

DJ DJ Roesh

The Hundred’s 2024 music line-up, which has been co-curated with BBC Music Introducing, will once again bring unforgettable music performances to each fixture of the competition.

The line-up features an exciting mix of emerging artists and true rising stars.

Nxdia and BBC Radio Manchester’s DJ Roesh will return to Emirates Old Trafford for a second year running on Thursday 25 July, following huge success in 2023.

Also set to play at Leeds Festival and Boardmasters later in the year, Manchester-founded indie pop group Corella will follow, with TikTok sensation Michael Aldag and Darla Jade set to take the stage throughout the competition.

This is the fourth year that The Hundred has curated its music line-up in collaboration with BBC Music Introducing.

The partnership gives BBC Music Introducing artists a platform to perform live in front of crowds at some of the UK’s biggest cricket grounds, including Lord’s (London), The Kia Oval (London), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Emirates Old Trafford (Manchester), Sophia Gardens (Cardiff), Headingley (Leeds), Utilita Bowl (Southampton) and Trent Bridge (Nottingham).

Zara Larsson, the record-breaking star behind massive global hits like Lush Life, Never Forget You, Symphony and Can’t Tame Her, will help celebrate the culmination of the competition with her headline performance at The Hundred Final at Lord’s on 18 August.

Speaking of her performance at The Hundred Final, Zara Larsson said: “I’m so excited to have been invited to perform at The Hundred Final this year. I love what the competition stands for and the platform it’s giving women’s sport. I can’t wait to perform and entertain the Lord’s crowd this summer! I’ll be singing some of my favourite songs live and will be pulling out all the stops to put on an unforgettable show.”

Manchester Originals women’s player Sophie Ecclestone said: “The live music at The Hundred is one of my favourite things about playing in the competition.

“It brings an extra element to The Hundred which is different to other forms of cricket. I’m excited to see the local artists perform at Emirates Old Trafford this summer and buzzing to see that Nxdia is back after the last two seasons.”

In its first three years, The Hundred has played host to some of the biggest names in music, seeing The Lottery Winners play to their home crowd at Emirates Old Trafford in 2023.

Previous headliners also include Rudimental, Bastille and Jax Jones, as well as Raye, Becky Hill, Everything Everything and Self Esteem.

The Hundred Final and The Hundred Opener will be broadcast live on BBC 2 and Sky Sports, meaning fans at home can catch the unmissable performances from both Zara Larsson and Cat Burns.

Inclusivity at the heart

The Hundred is designed to provide an entertaining experience for families and people of all ages.

Whether it’s your first time to a match of The Hundred or you’ve been to other cricket in the past and you’re bringing someone new, The Hundred is here to welcome everyone.

Who are The Hundred Teams?

• Birmingham Phoenix (Edgbaston)
• London Spirit (Lord’s)
• Manchester Originals (Emirates Old Trafford)
• Northern Superchargers (Headingley)
• Oval Invincibles (The Kia Oval)
• Southern Brave (Utilita Bowl)
• Trent Rockets (Trent Bridge)
• Welsh Fire (Sophia Gardens)

Each squad comprises 15 players with a maximum of four overseas stars, plus no more than two centrally contracted England players in the Men’s Competition.

Who’s in the Manchester Original’s Squad?

Returning once again to captain the Manchester Originals men’s team is England white-ball captain Jos Buttler, whose 391 runs in last year’s competition secured him the title of highest-run scorer.

The women’s team will also see the return of its 2023 captain Sophie Ecclestone, who is the number one women’s bowler in the world. Also returning to Manchester Originals for another year are England men’s duo Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue, as well as Emma Lamb and Mahika Gaur.

Manchester Originals has also bagged several world-class international talents. They include Australian wicket keeper Beth Mooney and all-rounder Sophie Molineux on the women’s team, and Sikandar Raza, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Pakistan leg-spinner Usama Mir on the men’s team.

Together they will drive forward the Manchester Originals in building on its previous successes and deliver another exhilarating season of cricket.

Sophie Ecclestone, women’s captain of Manchester Originals, said: “Manchester Originals has really made its mark over the past few years, having a significant impact on communities across the region.

“The fanbase that the team has managed to build is particularly incredible – it’s an honour to be a part of something that is introducing so many more people to cricket, and reaching audiences that might have previously thought the sport wasn’t for them.

“I’m always chuffed to see the number of junior fans that come to the games and young girls who are inspired to get involved in the sport.

“Bringing cricket to the next generation is a huge part of what The Hundred is about and something I’m grateful to be a part of.”

Jos Buttler, men’s captain, added: “To get to the final in successive years is a fantastic achievement and our aim is to go one better in the 2024 season. I’m confident in our ability to build on our achievements and make our amazing fans across the Greater Manchester community proud!”

Manchester Original’s fixtures

Ready to experience the thrill? There’s just 50 days to go until the first Manchester Originals fixture.

Tickets are selling like hot cakes, and there’s never been a better time to snap some up.

Currently, customers can buy tickets for £5 for under 16s tickets and adults from £17 until 27th June in an awesome early bird offer.

With home games starting from the 25th July, Manchester Originals fans will have four opportunities to catch the excitement at Emirates Old Trafford, as follows:

Thursday 25 July: Manchester Originals vs Welsh Fire – (women’s start 3:00 pm, men’s start 6:30 pm) tickets are flying out of the door so make sure you’re quick if you want a slice of the action!

Monday 29 July: Manchester Originals vs Trent Rockets – (women’s start 3:00 pm, men’s start 6:35 pm)

Thursday 25 July: Manchester Originals vs Oval Invincibles – (women’s start 11:30 am, men’s start 3:00 pm)

Sunday 11 August: Manchester Originals vs Northern Superchargers (women’s start 2:30 pm, men’s start 6:00 pm) tickets selling fast.

Don’t miss out on the excitement and drama of The Hundred.

Grab your tickets now and join us for a summer of unforgettable cricket action!

You can find out more about the Hundred and the Manchester Originals by clicking here