The Hundred is stepping into a bold new era for its sixth edition, scheduled to run from July 21 to August 16, 2026. In a move that mirrors the global franchise landscape, the tournament has transitioned from a draft system to a high-stakes player auction. Set for March 11 at London’s iconic Piccadilly Lights, this inaugural women’s auction represents a massive leap forward, with salary caps doubling to £880,000 per side.
Franchises are now permitted to field four overseas players per match, a change that has intensified the hunt for world-class talent. Ahead of the bidding war, several marquee names have been released, featuring a mix of local legends and international icons. While heavyweights like Ellyse Perry (Birmingham Phoenix) and Smriti Mandhana (Manchester Super Giants) were secured via pre-auction signings, the remaining slots will be filled under the hammer.
Tammy Beaumont, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney headline the marquee list
The marquee set is a masterclass in T20 pedigree. Leading the international charge is India’s Deepti Sharma, whose off-spin mastery and clinical finishing were instrumental in London Spirit’s 2024 title win. She is joined by New Zealand’s powerhouse Sophie Devine and Australia’s batting anchor Beth Mooney, both of whom bring a wealth of experience from multiple World Cup triumphs. South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk and Australian spinner Sophie Molineux round out an overseas contingent that teams are expected to bid on aggressively.
On the domestic front, England’s stalwarts are equally prominent. Tammy Beaumont, the first woman to score a century in The Hundred, leads a group of homegrown heroes that includes the wizardry of leg-spinner Sarah Glenn and the reliable glovework of Amy Jones. The inclusion of Dani Gibson and the explosive young talent Davina Perrin highlights the tournament’s commitment to blending established stars with the next generation of English cricket.
The landscape of the competition has also shifted commercially. Four teams enter 2026 with new identities following IPL-linked investments: MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles), Manchester Super Giants (formerly Manchester Originals), Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers), and the Delhi Capitals-owned Southern Brave.
The Hundred Women’s 2026 Auction: The initial longlist
The auction longlist features 178 players, categorized into tiers that reflect their skill sets and market value. While the marquee names will grab the headlines, the Tier 1 categories are packed with match-winners capable of sparking bidding wars.
| Category | Key players in the list |
| Marquee Domestic | Tammy Beaumont, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Dani Gibson, Davina Perrin |
| Marquee International | Deepti Sharma, Sophie Devine, Beth Mooney, Sophie Molineux, Nadine de Klerk |
| Tier 1 Batters | Lizelle Lee, Sterre Kalis, Tazmin Brits, Bryony Smith, Emma Lamb |
| Tier 1 Fast Bowlers | Shabnim Ismail, Issy Wong, Grace Ballinger, Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle |
| Tier 1 Allrounders | Deandra Dottin, Jessica Jonassen, Georgia Adams, Kathryn Bryce, Chinelle Henry |
| Tier 1 Spinners | Alana King, Linsey Smith, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Kirstie Gordon, Sophia Smale |
| Tier 1 Wicketkeepers | Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Georgia Redmayne, Seren Smale |
One of the major talking points of this auction is the representation of Asian talent. Despite 17 Indian players registering, only three, Deepti, Richa Ghosh, and Yastika Bhatia, made the initial cut for the primary list. Similarly, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal, who are part of the longlist. Their potential selection is under high scrutiny, as no Pakistani player has featured in previous women’s seasons, especially with four franchises now under the umbrella of IPL owners.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
