The countdown is on as England’s premier domestic T20 competition, The Hundred, enters a crucial phase of squad construction. With the January 16 deadline rapidly approaching, all eight franchises are finalizing their strategic retentions and direct signings ahead of the tournament’s inaugural auction scheduled for March 2026.

Understanding The Hundred’s Pre-Auction Framework

The competition’s squad-building rules introduce an intriguing strategic element for team management. Each franchise can secure up to four players through pre-auction mechanisms, but with specific constraints designed to maintain competitive balance:

• Minimum one retention from the previous year’s squad
• Maximum two overseas players among the four pre-signed spots
• Maximum two centrally contracted players (those holding ECB central contracts in 2024-25 or 2025-26)
• At least one slot must be filled by a retention, while the remaining spots can be new acquisitions from other franchises

The 2026 edition will run from July 21 to August 16, setting the stage for high-stakes cricket during the English summer.

Complete Team-by-Team Breakdown

Birmingham Phoenix: Youth and Experience Combined

Men’s Squad:

• Jacob Bethell (Retention) – The young all-rounder continues his association with Phoenix
• Rehan Ahmed (New Signing from Trent Rockets) – Leg-spinner switches allegiance

Women’s Squad:

• Ellyse Perry (Retention, Overseas) – Australian superstar anchors the batting
• Alice Capsey (New Signing from Oval Invincibles) – Exciting English talent joins from rivals

Coaching Staff: Shane Bond leads the men’s team, while Ali Maiden handles women’s operations

London Spirit: Big Moves in the Capital

Men’s Squad:

• Liam Livingstone (New Signing from Birmingham Phoenix) – Major acquisition as the explosive all-rounder switches London franchises
• Jamie Overton (Retention) – Fast-bowling all-rounder provides continuity

Coaching Leadership: Andy Flower (men), Jon Lewis (women)

Manchester Originals/Super Giants: Building From Scratch

The Manchester franchise has yet to announce their retentions and signings, keeping their cards close to their chest ahead of the deadline.

MI London: Mystery Remains

Mumbai Indians’ London franchise is still to reveal their early selections, adding suspense to their squad-building strategy.

Southern Brave: England Stars Committed

Men’s Squad:

• Jofra Archer (Retention) – England’s pace sensation stays with the defending champions

Women’s Squad:

• Lauren Bell (Retention) – England’s rising fast bowler continues her Brave journey

With three available slots still unfilled, Southern Brave appears to be saving flexibility for the auction.

Sunrisers Leeds: Maximum Pre-Auction Investment

Leeds has been the most aggressive franchise, utilizing all four available slots:

Men’s Squad:

• Harry Brook (Retention) – England’s batting prodigy remains the cornerstone
• Brydon Carse (Retention) – Fast bowler provides English pace option
• Mitch Marsh (Overseas, New Signing) – Australian all-rounder brings World Cup-winning pedigree
• Nathan Ellis (Overseas, New Signing) – Another Australian addition strengthens the pace attack

Women’s Squad:

• Kate Cross (Retention)
• Annabel Sutherland (Retention)
• Phoebe Litchfield (Retention) – Three-player retention strategy maximizes continuity

Coaching Credentials: Daniel Vettori guides the men, with Adi Birrell leading the women’s program

Trent Rockets: Strategic Overseas Focus

Men’s Squad:

• Tim David (Overseas, New Signing) – Singapore’s power-hitter joins from Big Bash stardom

Women’s Squad:

• Nat Sciver-Brunt (Retention) – England’s premier all-rounder stays loyal

Management: Peter Moores (men), Chris Read (women)

Welsh Fire: Salt Crosses the Border

Men’s Squad:

• Phil Salt (New Signing from Manchester Originals) – England’s white-ball opener switches franchises in a headline move

Coaching: Mike Hussey (men), Michael Klinger (women)

Key Talking Points and Strategic Analysis

Major Franchise Switches

Several high-profile players have changed colors ahead of the auction:

• Liam Livingstone’s move from Birmingham Phoenix to London Spirit represents a significant power shift
• Phil Salt’s departure from Manchester to Welsh Fire could reshape opening partnerships
• Rehan Ahmed’s transition to Birmingham Phoenix adds spin depth

Overseas Player Trends

Australian talent dominates the overseas selections, with Ellyse Perry, Mitch Marsh, Nathan Ellis, Annabel Sutherland, Phoebe Litchfield, and Tim David all secured pre-auction. This reflects The Hundred’s ability to attract top-tier Southern Hemisphere stars during their winter.

England Centrally Contracted Stars

The pre-auction phase has secured several England regulars including Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Lauren Bell, and Nat Sciver-Brunt, ensuring the tournament maintains its premium quality despite international commitments.

What Happens Next?

Teams have until January 16 to finalize their retentions and direct signings. Following this deadline, attention shifts to the March 2026 auction, where franchises will compete to fill remaining squad positions.

The auction promises fireworks as teams pursue players who’ve entered the draft pool, including those not retained by their previous franchises and international stars making themselves available for the English domestic circuit.