Oval Invincibles may be rebranded with Surrey County Cricket Club’s three-feathers crest, according to chairman Oli Slipper. The Hundred needs to be embraced to help shore up English cricket, including the County Championship, he told county members. Surrey were critical of the Hundred’s impact on red-ball cricket and the existing T20 Blast at the Kia Oval. However, Slipper stated that the club now appreciates the Hundred’s revenue-generating potential. He noted that the tournament has been successful in terms of ticket sales and TV, generating about 25% of the ECB’s total revenue. Despite ongoing review into the Hundred, Slipper mentioned that scrapping it is not an option given the locked-in broadcast deal with Sky Sports until 2028. He emphasized the unique opportunity for Surrey to have a greater influence on the direction of cricket in England and Wales. Slipper expressed the ambition for Surrey to own and operate its own team in the tournament. Additionally, he signaled the club’s intention to take full ownership of the regional women’s side, South East Stars, and to build a second venue outside of Kennington. Slipper promised to use Surrey’s growing influence within the ECB to protect the sanctity of first-class cricket, describing it as “the pinnacle of our game and the prize we cherish more than any other”. He believes that strong voices from the counties are necessary to further the interests of Surrey and grow the red-ball game.
