Surrey, whose home ground is The Oval, voted against The Hundred format

The ECB is threatening to abandon the Kia Oval as a host venue for The Hundred in an act of retribution after Surrey voted against the format chosen for English cricket’s new competition that starts next year.

Colin Graves, the ECB chairman, has told several counties that the Oval could be dropped when the eight teams are announced next month. Bristol and Chelmsford are potential alternative venues.

The eight venues for what was initially a city-based T20 tournament were named a year ago — the Oval, Lord’s, Headingley, Old Trafford, Edgbaston, Ageas Bowl, Trent Bridge and Sophia Gardens — before the ECB revealed its 100-ball format two months later. None of the contracts with the venues have been signed.

Graves is understood to be seeking