Smith, Lanning among direct signings for The Hundred

The Hundred 2025: Key Signings and Retentions Announced

The 2025 edition of The Hundred is set to feature a stellar lineup, with several big names from international cricket securing spots in the league. Here’s a roundup of the direct signings and retentions confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for both men’s and women’s teams.

Men’s Team Key Signings and Retentions

• Steve Smith: The Australian cricket legend joins Welsh Fire for the 2025 season, adding to the already impressive roster.
• Meg Lanning: The Australian women’s team captain will represent Oval Invincibles Women, strengthening their squad.
• Rashid Khan: After playing for the Trent Rockets since the league’s inception, the Afghan star will now join the Oval Invincibles.

Birmingham Phoenix

• Ellyse Perry: Birmingham Phoenix has retained the Australian all-rounder, while Megan Schutt has been named as their direct international signing.
• Core Team Retained: Key players such as Liam Livingstone, Dan Mousely, Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, and Trent Boult will remain in the team.

London Spirit

• Release of Zak Crawley: After a tough 2024 season, London Spirit has released Zak Crawley and brought in Kane Williamson as his replacement.
• Women’s Changes: The women’s team has let go of Meg Lanning, who joins Oval Invincibles, but has retained Grace Harris.

Oval Invincibles

• Core Retained: The Oval Invincibles have kept their core squad intact and strengthened their lineup with the addition of Rashid Khan.
• Women’s Side: The women’s team also retains key players and continues to be a dominant force in the competition.

Manchester Originals

• Jos Buttler & Phil Salt: The Manchester Originals have held on to star players Jos Buttler and Phil Salt.
• Heinrich Klaasen: The South African wicketkeeper-batter is their direct signing, alongside the inclusion of Amelia Kerr and Sophie Ecclestone.

Northern Superchargers

• Harry Brook & Adil Rashid: The Northern Superchargers have retained key players Harry Brook and Adil Rashid, along with new signing David Miller.
• Women’s Side: The Australian trio of Annabel Sutherland, Phoebe Litchfield, and Georgia Wareham headline the women’s team retentions.

Southern Brave

• Faf du Plessis: Southern Brave has signed the South African star as their direct signing.
• Core Retained: The team has kept the bulk of their squad, including James Vince, Jofra Archer, Tymal Mills, Chris Jordan, and Craig Overton.
• Women’s Team: Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and new signing Laura Wolvaardt will join the Brave’s women’s side.

Welsh Fire

• Steve Smith: The addition of Steve Smith strengthens the Welsh Fire squad, alongside retained players like Jonny Bairstow, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and Tom Abell.
• Women’s Team: Hayley Matthews, Tammy Beaumont, and Shabnim Ismail will continue to feature for the Fire women’s side.

Trent Rockets

• Joe Root & Tom Banton: The: TheTrent Rockets have retained Joe Root, Tom Banton, and Sam Hain for the 2025 season.
• Marcus Stoinis: The Australian all-rounder will be a key addition to the Rockets.
• Women’s Team: Alana King will represent Southern Brave Women, alongside Australians Heather Graham and Ash Gardner.

Other Notable Signings

• Nat Sciver-Brunt: The English all-rounder will play for the Brave in the 2025 edition.

Conclusion: The Hundred 2025 Set to Be Star-Studded

The 2025 edition of The Hundred promises to be an exciting season, with top international players like Steve Smith, Meg Lanning, Rashid Khan, Ellyse Perry, and many more joining the competition. The league’s global appeal continuegrowgrow, as the best talent from across the world converges for an action-packed tournament.