Summary
The Hundred 2026 has completed its first-ever player auction, marking a major change in how teams are built for England’s 100-ball cricket tournament. All eight franchises have now finalized their rosters, bringing together a mix of international superstars and local English talent. This new auction system has reshaped the league, creating fresh rivalries and balanced squads for the upcoming season. Fans are eager to see how these new-look teams perform in the faster, shorter version of the game.
Main Impact
The introduction of a player auction is a turning point for The Hundred. In previous years, teams used a different system to pick players, but the 2026 auction allowed for more strategic bidding and competition for top talent. This change has led to several big-name moves, with world-class players switching sides. The auction also highlights the growing influence of global cricket investors, as seen in the updated names of several franchises. This shift makes the tournament feel more like other major global leagues, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Key Details
What Happened
The 2026 auction saw the eight city-based teams compete to sign the best available cricketers. Each team had a set budget to spend on domestic and international players. This process ensured that talent was spread across the league, making the competition more balanced. The auction also confirmed the squads for both the men’s and women’s sides, though the focus remains on the high-profile signings that took place during the bidding rounds.
Important Numbers and Facts
The Hundred uses a unique format where each innings lasts exactly 100 balls. Bowlers can deliver either five or ten balls in a row, and the entire match is designed to finish in under three hours. For the 2026 season, the eight teams have filled their rosters with a maximum number of players allowed under the new rules. The auction included hundreds of players from around the world, but only a select few were chosen to join the final squads.
Full Team Squads for 2026
After the final hammer fell at the auction, the eight teams confirmed their full lists of players. Here is how the squads look for the upcoming season:
Southern Brave
The Brave have built a strong team featuring Michael Pepper, Adil Rashid, Thomas Rew, and Jamie Smith. They also secured international stars like Marcus Stoinis, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs. The bowling attack will be led by Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan, supported by Luke Wood and Dan Worrall. Other members include Caleb Falconer, Ben McKinney, Nikhail Chaudhary, and Tom Abell.
Trent Rockets
The Rockets have a balanced group with Ben Duckett, Lewis Gregory, and Craig Overton. Their international picks include Tim David, Mitchell Santner, and Finn Allen. The squad is rounded out by Ben Mayes, David Payne, Louis Kimber, Matt Henry, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Aneurin Donald, Brad Currie, Danny Briggs, and Dan Mousley.
MI London
MI London has signed some of the biggest names in cricket, including Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, and Trent Boult. They also have strong English players like Jason Roy, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, and Ollie Pope. The rest of the squad features Ollie Sykes, James Vince, Richard Gleeson, Nathan Sowter, Tom Curran, Sherfane Rutherford, Callum Parkinson, and Olly Stone.
London Spirit
The Spirit will rely on the power of Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone. They are joined by David Willey, Tymal Mills, and Jamie Overton. Their international talent includes Dewald Brevis, Adam Milne, and Adam Zampa. The squad also features James Coles, Adam Hose, James Rew, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Mason Crane, and Matt Fisher.
Welsh Fire
Welsh Fire has a solid core with Joe Root and Chris Woakes. They added international flair with Marco Jansen, Rachin Ravindra, and Lockie Ferguson. Other key players include Asa Tribe, Jordan Cox, Tom Aspinwall, Jaffer Chohan, Matt Short, Ben Kellaway, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and Sam Cook.
Birmingham Phoenix
The Phoenix squad includes Rehan Ahmed, Jacob Bethell, and Saqib Mahmood. They have brought in international experience with Donovan Ferreira and Mustafizur Rahman. The team is completed by Scott Currie, Will Smeed, Joe Clarke, Chris Wood, Usman Tariq, Ethan Brookes, Laurie Evans, Mitchell Owen, and Jordan Thompson.
Sunrisers Leeds
Sunrisers Leeds will be led by Harry Brook and Zak Crawley. Their bowling looks strong with Reece Topley and Matthew Potts. International stars Mitchell Marsh and Nathan Ellis join the team, along with Daniel Lawrence, Tom Alsop, Ed Barnard, Brydon Carse, Ryan Rickelton, Liam Patterson-White, Tom Lawes, and Abrar Ahmed.
Manchester Super Giants
The Super Giants have a powerful lineup featuring Jos Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen. They also secured Aiden Markram, Noor Ahmad, and Tim Seifert. The squad includes George Scrimshaw, Leus du Plooy, Sonny Baker, Josh Tongue, Max Holden, Liam Dawson, Gus Atkinson, Tom Hartley, Tawanda Muyeye, Paul Walter, and Tom Moores.
Background and Context
The Hundred was started by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2021. The goal was to create a version of cricket that was easy for everyone to understand, especially families and children. By making the games shorter and faster, the ECB hoped to attract new fans who might find traditional cricket too long or complicated. Over the last few years, the tournament has grown in popularity, and the 2026 season is expected to be the biggest yet due to the new auction format and increased global interest.
Public or Industry Reaction
Cricket experts and fans have reacted positively to the auction. Many believe that the auction adds a layer of excitement even before the first ball is bowled. It allows fans to follow the "transfer drama" as teams fight over the best players. Some critics were worried that the new system might break up long-standing team identities, but most agree that the change was necessary to keep the league competitive and modern. The involvement of major global franchise owners has also given the league more financial strength.
What This Means Going Forward
Looking ahead, the 2026 season will test how well these newly formed squads can play together. Since many players are joining new teams, coaching staff will have to work hard to build team chemistry quickly. The success of the auction could also lead to more changes in the future, such as expanding the number of teams or increasing the salary caps. For now, the focus is on the upcoming summer, where these eight teams will compete for the trophy in front of packed stadiums across England.
Final Take
The Hundred 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark season for English cricket. By moving to an auction system, the league has embraced a more professional and global approach. The squads are packed with talent, and the new team structures promise a high level of competition. Whether you are a long-time cricket fan or someone new to the sport, the 2026 tournament offers a fresh and exciting way to enjoy the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in The Hundred 2026?
The biggest change is the introduction of a player auction, which allowed teams to bid for players for the first time, rather than just using a draft or retention system.
How many teams are in The Hundred?
There are eight city-based teams: Southern Brave, Trent Rockets, MI London, London Spirit, Welsh Fire, Birmingham Phoenix, Sunrisers Leeds, and Manchester Super Giants.
Why is the format called "The Hundred"?
It is called The Hundred because each team gets exactly 100 balls to score as many runs as possible. This makes the game faster than traditional T20 cricket.