The chairman of Sussex has insisted that the prospect of the major counties forming a breakaway league to replace the Hundred is "not to be feared" and is not a realistic outcome of discussions on the future of the tournament.
The ECB and the 18 first-class counties (plus MCC) have been meeting regularly in recent weeks to discuss the details of proposed changes to the Hundred's ownership model. There is broad agreement that the eight teams should be opened up to private investment, with 51% of the shares transferred from the ECB to the host county (or MCC), and the remaining 49% sold, with the proceeds distributed across the game.
However, the counties have not yet agreed on how these revenues should be shared. The ECB originally asked the counties to agree on a general direction by May 10, but the 11 non-host counties are collectively seeking independent advice, which could significantly delay the process.
Sussex's chairman Jon Filby told the BBC's Test Match Special podcast:
"The non-host county position is that, as in any financial arrangement of this type - and you're talking hundreds of millions of pounds - that we would have our own proper, impartial advice and that's what we're now seeking. We'll get that and then I'm sure a deal will very quickly follow."
With the existing framework agreement due to expire at the end of the year, the prospect of a breakaway by the hundred host counties has reportedly been raised. Leicestershire chief executive Sean Jarvis told ESPNcricinfo last week that English cricket was facing "our Premier League moment" and that "the top six or seven clubs call the tune".