The Hundred's Major Transformation
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that The Hundred tournament will transition to a full player auction system starting in 2026. This significant change, moving away from the previous draft model, aims to enhance team competitiveness and attract top players worldwide.
New Salary Structures
Under the new auction model, men's teams will now have a salary purse of £2.05 million (around ?22 crore), which is a notable 45% increase from past seasons. The women's competition is similarly enhanced with a salary cap rising to £880,000 (approximately ?9.5 crore).
| Category | Salary |
|---|
| Men's Team Salary Purse | £2.05 million |
| Women's Team Salary Cap | £880,000 |
| Minimum Wage for Women Cricketers | £15,000 |
A Quote from Leadership
Vikram Banerjee, managing director of The Hundred, stated, "This is a big step to make The Hundred even better. It will help attract top talent from around the world and make the tournament more exciting for fans."
Team Structure and Pre-Auction Signings
Each team will consist of 16 to 18 players with up to four overseas stars allowed. Teams will also have the option to offer multi-year contracts to important players. Ahead of the auction scheduled for March 2026, teams can sign up to four players in pre-auction deals, effective between mid-November and January's end.
Equality in Women's Cricket
In a significant push for equality, the minimum salary for women cricketers has seen a 50% increase to £15,000 (about ?16 lakh), reflecting The Hundred's commitment to developing women's cricket.
This upcoming auction marks a pivotal moment for The Hundred, promising an exciting future filled with international cricketing talent.