The Hundred: Durham committed to hosting team - chief executive Tim Bostock
- Published
Durham's Seat Unique Riverside in Chester-le-Street has held internationals since 1996
Durham are "100% committed" to hosting a Hundred team in the future, says chief executive Tim Bostock.
An expanded 10-team tournament has been discussed as an option for the controversial competition's future.
Durham are affiliated to Northern Superchargers, along with Yorkshire, but they play at Headingley, about 90 miles from Chester-le-Street.
"The north of the country cannot be ignored and we have an international ground ready to go," Bostock said.
He told PA Media: "The facilities and infrastructure are in place. We pitched for it originally and I think we were close.
"We don't have a divine right - that would be complacent - but we are very confident we would be able to mobilise very quickly.
"We are 100% committed to bringing a franchise here to the north-east."
The 100-ball competition has proved divisive since it started in 2021, with critics claiming it marginalises the 18 counties.
The Hundred includes eight teams - the Superchargers, Manchester Originals, Trent Rockets, Birmingham Phoenix, Welsh Fire, London Spirit, Oval Invincibles and Southern Brave.
Yorkshire, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, Glamorgan, Middlesex, Surrey and Hampshire are the host counties, with their neighbours affiliated.
There have been discussions about The Hundred's future aimed at removing divisions in the game. Another option is a tournament made up of 18 counties with promotion and relegation.
Private investment has also been considered. There were reports of a £400m offer to buy a 75% stake in 2022.
"This is the silver bullet game-changer for the game," Bostock said.
"Despite all the criticism, I'm yet to see another product three years on from start up that is thought to be worth £750m.
"We are very confident we could attract a lot interest."
Any changes to The Hundred must be approved by at least 12 counties and would not be introduced until 2025 at the earliest.
The England and Wales Cricket Board's broadcast deal with Sky expires in 2028, while the agreement to show matches free-to-air on the BBC ends after the 2024 season.