The Hundred, England and Wales Cricket Boards’ (ECB) innovative franchise-based tournament, is set to embark on its latest edition with an interesting twist.
Introduced in 2021, the tournament has rapidly gained popularity, showcasing both domestic and international talent with its fast paced, 100 ball format. However, as it continues to evolve, a new ruling has been introduced this year, allowing teams to make direct signings out of their traditional draft system, bringing a fresh wave of excitement.
Under the new direct signing rule, teams can now make one overseas player signing during the retention period who wasn’t in their team last year, by agreeing terms with them directly. A Direct Signing counts towards one of the 10 player retention, as well as one of the three overseas players allowed in the squad.
The first ever direct-signings for the 2025 edition of The Women’s Hundred are Melie Kerr and Laura Wolvaardt. New-Zealand all-rounder, Melie Kerr has been signed by Manchester Originals, while Southern Brave has signed South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt.
Kerr, who won the ICC Women’s T20I cricketer of the year award 2024, amassed 133 runs and picked up 10 wickets in 6 matches when she last featured in the league in 2023 as a part of London Spirit. Opener Laura Wolvaardt was on number six in the tally of most runs for 2024 edition of the season scoring 215 runs for Manchester Originals. Both these players have had a wonderful year and will prove to be assets for their respective teams.
Teams have also made strategic choices by retaining core players from previous seasons, ensuring continuity and strength in their squads. Among the notable players retained are Charlie Dean (London Spirit), Marizanne Kapp (Oval Invincibles), Nat Sciver-Brunt, (Trent Rockets) and Hayley Matthews (Welsh Fire).
England’s Charlie Dean, has been a consistent performer for London Spirit, picking up crucial wickets and contributing runs. In the last four seasons combined, she has picked up 18 wickets and scored 126 runs. Marizanne Kapp, South Africa’s all-rounder has proved to be Oval Invincibles key player as she scored 630 runs and picked up 37 wickets across four seasons. In 2024, she was the 4th highest wicket taker.
The English all-rounder Nat Sciver Brunt has been a standout performer in The Hundred. Last year, she was the highest scorer of the tournament, amassing an impressive 303 runs. She is definitely a key player for Trent Rockets with a total of 967 runs to her name, alongside 15 wickets. Hayley Mathews, the West-Indies Captain, has consistently contributed for Welsh Fire. Over her time in The Hundred, she has accumulated 662 runs and taken 25 wickets, showcasing her all-round abilities.
The 2025 edition of The Hundred, with teams retaining their star players and making exciting new direct signings, promises to be an intriguing spectacle for cricket fans.
The tournament will kick off on August 5th, with Lord’s hosting a thrilling double-header, featuring both men’s and women’s matches between London Spirit and Oval Invincibles. As the league continues to evolve, fans can expect an action-packed season filled with intense competition and unforgettable moments.
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