All of the fixtures scheduled for The Hundred on Wednesday will be played under floodlights, a decision made to accommodate the partial solar eclipse that will take place later in the evening. The celestial event is expected to obscure roughly ninety percent of the Sun’s disc as the Moon passes directly in front of it, creating a noticeable dimming of natural light.
The eclipse will begin at approximately 6:17 p.m., reach its maximum around 7:00 p.m., and finish by about 8:06 p.m., giving spectators a dramatic backdrop for the cricket action. This will be the first partial solar eclipse visible across Europe in 27 years, and in some locations the alignment will be so precise that a total eclipse occurs, with the Sun, Moon and Earth forming a straight line. As the Moon covers the Sun, the surrounding atmosphere will experience a brief drop in temperature, a subtle shift in wind direction, and a marked reduction in illumination, almost as if twilight has arrived in the middle of the day. After a few minutes the Moon will move away, the Sun will re‑emerge, and normal daylight will return.
Four separate matches are on the agenda for The Hundred on Wednesday, and each will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The schedule is as follows: the Welsh Fire women will open the day in Cardiff, taking on London Spirit women at 11:30 a.m.; the men’s Welsh Fire side will follow at 3:00 p.m.
In Birmingham, the Phoenix women will host MI London at Edgbaston from 3:00 p.m., and the men’s teams will meet at 6:30 p.m. Because the eclipse will occur during the latter part of the afternoon and early evening, the tournament organizers have decided to keep the stadium floodlights switched on for the entirety of each game. This ensures a consistent level of visibility for players and spectators alike, regardless of the sudden loss of natural light. Fans attending the venues will receive additional messaging about the eclipse, including safety reminders.
Experts stress that the only safe way to view a solar eclipse is with specially‑manufactured eclipse glasses that meet certified safety standards. Regular sunglasses, smoked glass, or any improvised filter can cause permanent eye damage. Sky Sports will also be offering guidance on its digital platforms, encouraging viewers to protect their eyes while enjoying the spectacle.
Beyond cricket, the eclipse will also affect other sporting events scheduled for the same day. Kempton Park, a major horse‑racing venue, is prepared to host its twilight meeting during the eclipse.
While the Ffos Las race meeting will be adjusted to start and finish earlier so that all six races occur in daylight, Kempton does not face the same constraint because its Sunbury circuit is already equipped with powerful floodlights. The eclipse at Kempton is projected to take place between 7:02 p.m.
and 7:16 p.m., directly overlapping with two scheduled races at 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Barney Clifford, Kempton’s clerk of the course, reflected on the rarity of the event: "The last time we had an eclipse that affected racing was nearly thirty years ago, before we had any floodlights here.
I remember the darkness, but we couldn’t rely on artificial lighting back then. This time we’ll have the lights on well before the doors open.
Even though the exact coverage of the Sun can be hard to predict, we’ll make sure the track is fully illuminated for every race." The decision to keep floodlights on throughout the cricket matches and the horse‑racing program underscores a broader commitment to fan experience and safety. Organisers anticipate that the unique atmosphere created by the eclipse will draw additional viewership, both at the grounds and on television. Sky Sports has highlighted the event across its platforms, inviting audiences to follow live updates via WhatsApp for the latest news, video highlights, and expert analysis. For those who prefer streaming, The Hundred’s matches, including the finals on Sunday, August 16, can be watched contract‑free on the NOW platform.
This service offers a seamless, ad‑supported experience, allowing cricket enthusiasts to follow every innings, every wicket, and every dramatic moment without a subscription. In summary, the partial solar eclipse will cast a fleeting shadow over the United Kingdom on Wednesday, prompting The Hundred to illuminate its pitches from start to finish. The combination of natural wonder and high‑octane sport promises an unforgettable day for players, spectators, and viewers at home.
Remember to use certified eclipse glasses if you plan to watch the celestial show directly, and enjoy the cricket under the glow of artificial lights as the sky briefly turns to dusk in the middle of the afternoon.