England batsman Jason Roy has spoken of his "huge disappointment" after the launch of The Hundred was pushed back this week.
The new 100-ball competition, featuring eight city-based franchises, was due to begin on July 17 but will now be staged during the summer of 2021 in response to the ongoing threat of coronavirus.
Hopes were high at the England and Wales Cricket Board that the new format would bring with it a new wave of fans. The prospects of a successful launch were given a huge shot in the arm when Roy and company defeated New Zealand last summer in an unforgettable Lord's final that captivated a mass audience not seen in the sport since the 2005 Ashes.
Coronavirus means the pause button has been pushed for a year, with the ECB keen to avoid empty grounds and absent overseas stars diluting the inaugural edition.
Roy, a top-tier £125,000 pick by Oval Invincibles, understands the decision to delay but a playback of the World Cup final over the Easter weekend offered a reminder of the unfortunate timing.
"You saw the response to Sky showing the World Cup final on TV, everyone was watching it and we were getting great feedback again," he said.
"It's a huge shame that we won't be able get out in front of a home crowd again, especially after all that. but who knows what will happen towards the end of the season? It is hugely disappointing (to postpone) but there are bigger things at stake.
"Obviously there was a huge incentive for the ECB, it was a huge competition that they put a lot of money into but it's only right that it be delayed until next year. You want the best players coming over and at the moment they can't. Unfortunately that's just the way it is at the moment."
Additional reporting by PA
