Ben Duckett questions low attendance at The Hundred despite higher cricket quality

Leading run‑scorer Ben Duckett expressed surprise at the reduced crowds at the start of this season’s Men’s Hundred, even though he says the standard of cricket has improved. After guiding Trent Rockets to a comfortable win in Cardiff with an unbeaten half‑century, Duckett noted that attendance figures are down by several thousand compared with the same stage last year, with similar declines at venues such as Headingley and The Rose Bowl.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) expects ticket sales to be slightly lower than in 2025, amid operational changes that transferred franchise control to counties and new owners. Historically, the competition draws larger crowds after a men’s Test series, but this year the numbers have not matched the perceived rise in quality. Duckett highlighted specific matches – a “pretty awesome” crowd at Trent Bridge and a 7,399‑spectator turnout at Sophia Gardens – while questioning why fewer fans are turning up.

Despite a recent illness, Duckett remains in form, leading the Rockets with scores of 49, 75 and 52*, and looks ahead to the next fixture against the Super Giants, maintaining optimism about the team’s prospects.