Northern Superchargers era in The Hundred has come to an end, with the franchise undergoing a bold rebranding to become Sunrisers Leeds. This transformation, announced recently, marks a significant shift for cricket in England, driven by The Sun Group, a powerhouse Indian media conglomerate headquartered in Chennai.
Known for its savvy investments in global sports, fans will instantly recognize the synergy: Sunrisers Leeds now joins the illustrious family of Sunrisers Hyderabad, the IPL juggernauts who’ve lit up T20 cricket in India, and Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the SA20 team who’ve dominated South African shores. This rebranding isn’t just a name tweak, it’s a strategic masterstroke that infuses the team with international flair, promising heightened visibility and fierce competition in The Hundred’s 2026 edition.
At the heart of this exciting new chapter are three retained stars who form a rock-solid core for Sunrisers Leeds. Leading the charge is the seasoned Kate Cross, the 34-year-old right-arm medium bowler whose experience is the stuff of legends. With over 100 international appearances across formats and a staggering 140 wickets to her name, Cross brings battle-hardened wisdom to the squad. In The Hundred itself, she’s a proven predator, claiming 50 wickets in 40 matches at an economy rate of 7.22. Her ability to swing the new ball and strangle runs in the middle overs makes her indispensable. Cross’s retention signals stability, a calming presence for a team eyeing the title.
Complementing her is the dynamic Annabel Sutherland, the 24-year-old Australian all-rounder who’s fast becoming a cornerstone of world cricket. Sutherland’s versatility is her superpower blending explosive right-hand batting with right-arm medium-fast bowling that unsettles top orders. Across more than 100 international matches, she amassed over 1,700 runs and snared 113 wickets, showcasing her dual threat prowess. In The Hundred, her 23 outings yielded 506 runs at a blistering strike rate of 130, plus 30 wickets. Whether smashing boundaries or breaking partnerships, Sutherland’s all-phase impact could propel Sunrisers Leeds deep into playoffs, her youthful energy meshing perfectly with Cross’s nous.
Rounding out the retained trio is the prodigious Phoebe Litchfield, a 22-year-old left-hand batter who’s already a nightmare for bowlers. With over 67 international caps and more than 1,800 runs in the bank, Litchfield’s technique and temperament scream future star. In The Hundred, she dazzled across 27 matches, piling up 742 runs at a strike rate of 140, numbers that highlight her power-hitting flair and consistency under lights. Her elegant strokeplay, especially through the covers, adds firepower to the top order, balancing the bowling heavy retains.
This rebrand and retention strategy positions Sunrisers Leeds as genuine contenders. As The Hundred gears up, Sunrisers Leeds embodies ambition, blending English grit with global ambition. Cross’s reliability, Sutherland’s X-factor, and Litchfield’s sparkle set the stage for a campaign that could redefine the franchise’s legacy. Cricket lovers in Leeds and beyond are buzzing; this sun might just rise highest.
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