For the first time in its history, The Hundred will feature a player auction, bringing a new sense of excitement and unpredictability to squad building. The inaugural auction, scheduled for March 11 and 12, marks a major shift to reshape how teams approach their line ups.
Franchises were allowed to retain or directly sign up to four players before the auction, but plenty of spots will remain open, setting the stage for competitive bidding on global stars as well as promising domestic players. With multiple strategies in play, the auction could have a significant impact on the balance of the tournament.
The pressure will be on teams with recent success to stay ahead of the pack. Sunrisers Leeds, coming off a championship winning campaign, will be looking to reinforce their squad and continue their strong run. At the same time, challengers such as MI London and Southern Brave are likely to enter the auction with clear intent, targeting players who can provide match winning performances. With budgets to manage and key decisions to be made, the auction promises plenty of drama and tactical intrigue.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also confirmed important details for the women’s competition, which will enter its sixth season this year. Defending champions Sunrisers Leeds Women, rebranded from Northern Superchargers Women, will begin their title defence against MI London Women at The Kia Oval on July 21. The opening fixture is expected to draw significant attention as the champions return to the field under their new identity.
Looking ahead to the knockout stage, the Eliminators will be played on August 14, while the season will conclude with the Final on Sunday, August 16. With a new auction system, fresh team branding and a packed summer schedule, the upcoming edition of The Hundred is shaping up to be one of the most engaging yet, offering plenty of anticipation for players and fans alike.
The Hundred 2026 Fixtures:
- Tuesday, July 21: MI London Women vs Sunrisers Leeds Women, The Kia Oval (7:15 pm IST)
- Wednesday, July 22: Southern Brave vs Welsh Fire, Utilita Bowl (7:30 pm IST)
- Thursday, July 23: London Spirit vs Manchester Super Giants, Lord’s (7:30 pm IST)
- Friday, July 24: Birmingham Phoenix vs Trent Rockets, Edgbaston (7:30 pm IST)
- Saturday, July 25: Sunrisers Leeds vs Southern Brave, Headingley (3:30 pm IST)
- Saturday, July 25: Welsh Fire vs MI London, Sophia Gardens (7 pm IST)
- Sunday, July 26: Manchester Super Giants vs Birmingham Phoenix, Emirates Old Trafford (3:30 pm IST)
- Sunday, July 26: Trent Rockets vs London Spirit, Trent Bridge (7 pm IST)
- Monday, July 27: Southern Brave vs MI London, Utilita Bowl (7:30 pm IST)
- Tuesday, July 28: Sunrisers Leeds vs Manchester Super Giants, Headingley (7:30 pm IST)
- Wednesday, July 29: Welsh Fire vs Trent Rockets, Sophia Gardens (4 pm IST)
- Wednesday, July 29: MI London vs London Spirit, The Kia Oval (7:30 pm IST)
- Thursday, July 30: Southern Brave vs Birmingham Phoenix, Utilita Bowl (7:30 pm IST)
- Friday, July 31: Manchester Super Giants vs Trent Rockets, Emirates Old Trafford (7:30 pm IST)
- Saturday, August 1: Birmingham Phoenix vs Welsh Fire, Edgbaston (3:30 pm IST)
- Saturday, August 1: London Spirit vs Southern Brave, Lord’s (7 pm IST)
- Sunday, August 2: Trent Rockets vs Sunrisers Leeds, Trent Bridge (3:30 pm IST)
- Sunday, August 2: MI London vs Manchester Super Giants, The Kia Oval (7 pm IST)
- Monday, August 3: Welsh Fire vs Southern Brave, Sophia Gardens (7:30 pm IST)
- Tuesday, August 4: Sunrisers Leeds vs London Spirit, Headingley (7:30 pm IST)
- Wednesday, August 5: Manchester Super Giants vs Welsh Fire, Emirates Old Trafford (4 pm IST)
- Wednesday, August 5: Trent Rockets vs Birmingham Phoenix, Trent Bridge (7:30 pm IST)
- Thursday, August 6: London Spirit vs MI London, Lord’s (7:30 pm IST)
- Friday, August 7: Birmingham Phoenix vs Sunrisers Leeds, Edgbaston (7:30 pm IST)
- Saturday, August 8: MI London vs Trent Rockets, The Kia Oval (3:30 pm IST)
- Saturday, August 8: Southern Brave vs Manchester Super Giants, Utilita Bowl (7 pm IST)
- Sunday, August 9: Sunrisers Leeds vs Welsh Fire, Headingley (3:30 pm IST)
- Sunday, August 9: London Spirit vs Birmingham Phoenix, Lord’s (7 pm IST)
- Monday, August 10: Trent Rockets vs Southern Brave, Trent Bridge (7:30 pm IST)
- Tuesday, August 11: Manchester Super Giants vs Sunrisers Leeds, Emirates Old Trafford (7:30 pm IST)
- Wednesday, August 12: Welsh Fire vs London Spirit, Sophia Gardens (4 pm IST)
- Wednesday, August 12: Birmingham Phoenix vs MI London, Edgbaston (7:30 pm IST)
Playoffs
- Friday, August 14: Eliminators (6:45 pm IST) – Reserve: Saturday, August 15
- Sunday, August 16: Finals (6:45 pm IST) – Reserve: Monday, August 17
As The Hundred 2026 women’s season ignites on July 21, fans brace for a spectacle of skill, raw aggression, and non-stop cricket action. Domestic talents will clash with international firepower, fueling fierce competition at the highest class. From auction drama to playoff thrillers, expect boundary hitting brilliance and career defining moments. Sunrisers Leeds’ defense sets the stage, let the 100-ball revolution unfold.
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