The Hundred 2025 Draft Results: Noor Ahmad and Michael Bracewell Secure Lucrative Contracts
The 2025 edition of The Hundred has already created a buzz among cricket fans worldwide as the draft took place on Wednesday, March 12. Excitement filled the air as players like Noor Ahmad and Michael Bracewell secured GBP 200,000 contracts, setting the stage for an action-packed season ahead.
Noor Ahmad and Michael Bracewell in the Limelight
Noor Ahmad, the talented left-arm wrist spinner from Afghanistan, caught the eye of Manchester Originals, while Michael Bracewell, the newly-appointed T20I captain of New Zealand, was drafted by Southern Brave, last season’s runners-up. Both players are expected to bring their A-game to the tournament, adding depth and skill to their respective teams.
But Ahmad and Bracewell were not the only major signings in the draft. Georgia Voll, Jamie Overton, and David Warner also made headlines with their lucrative deals. Voll, fresh off an unbeaten 99 in the Women’s Premier League, joined Birmingham Phoenix, while Overton secured a GBP 200,000 deal with London Spirit, who also picked up Warner for GBP 120,000. Warner, the veteran Australian opener, is set to make his Hundred debut this season after missing out on the previous year’s draft.
Other Notable Signings and Retentions
England all-rounder David Willey and New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra also landed lucrative deals, with Willey joining Trent Rockets for GBP 200,000 and Ravindra signing with Manchester Originals for GBP 120,000. The draft also saw significant retentions in the women’s competition, with Paige Scholfield re-signing for Oval Invincibles on a GBP 65,000 deal.
However, veteran pacer James Anderson went undrafted despite making himself available for the tournament, adding a twist to the draft proceedings. With 66 players now drafted across both competitions, the squads are nearing completion, with teams gearing up for the upcoming season.
Countdown to the Tournament
The Hundred is set to kick off on August 5, with London Spirit facing off against Oval Invincibles at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground. The anticipation is building as fans eagerly await the start of the action-packed tournament, which promises to showcase top-tier cricket talent from around the world.
Current Squads Overview
Birmingham Phoenix
The Birmingham Phoenix men’s squad boasts a strong lineup including Liam Livingstone, Ben Duckett, and Trent Boult, while the women’s team features stars like Ellyse Perry and Amy Jones.
London Spirit
London Spirit’s men’s team includes Kane Williamson, Jamie Overton, and David Warner, while the women’s squad is led by Grace Harris and Deepti Sharma.
Manchester Originals
Manchester Originals have Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and Rachin Ravindra in their men’s team, with the women’s squad headlined by Sophie Ecclestone and Deandra Dottin.
Northern Superchargers
The Northern Superchargers men’s team features Adil Rashid, David Miller, and Dawid Malan, while the women’s squad includes Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Wareham.
Oval Invincibles
Sam Curran, Rashid Khan, and Saqib Mahmood are part of the Oval Invincibles men’s team, with Marizanne Kapp and Meg Lanning leading the women’s squad.
Southern Brave
James Vince, Jofra Archer, and Faf du Plessis are key players in the Southern Brave men’s team, while the women’s squad is captained by Sophie Devine and features Laura Wolvaardt.
Trent Rockets
The Trent Rockets men’s squad includes Joe Root, Marcus Stoinis, and Lockie Ferguson, while the women’s team is led by Ash Gardner and Nat Sciver.
Welsh Fire
Chris Woakes, Steve Smith, and Jonny Bairstow are part of the Welsh Fire men’s team, with Hayley Matthews and Tammy Beaumont leading the women’s squad.
As the teams gear up for the upcoming season, cricket fans are in for a treat with an exciting lineup of players ready to showcase their talent in The Hundred 2025.
The Impact of Noor Ahmad and Michael Bracewell’s Contracts
The signings of Noor Ahmad and Michael Bracewell for GBP 200,000 each have set a new benchmark for the value of young and emerging talent in The Hundred. Ahmad, known for his deceptive spin variations, brings a fresh perspective to Manchester Originals’ bowling attack. Bracewell, on the other hand, adds experience and leadership to Southern Brave, making them a formidable force in the upcoming season.
These high-profile signings not only reflect the growing popularity of the tournament but also highlight the strategic approach teams are taking to build competitive squads. The combination of established stars like Bracewell alongside rising talents like Ahmad showcases the diversity and depth of talent on display in The Hundred.
Strategic Retentions and Undrafted Players
While the draft saw significant signings, the retention of players like David Willey and Rachin Ravindra underscores the importance of continuity and team chemistry in T20 cricket. These decisions reflect a balance between securing new talent and maintaining a core group of players who understand the team’s dynamics and culture.
On the other hand, the absence of veteran James Anderson from the draft raises questions about the evolving landscape of T20 cricket. Despite his illustrious career in Test cricket, Anderson’s undrafted status highlights the intense competition and changing priorities in the shorter format of the game.
Excitement Builds for The Hundred 2025
With the countdown to the tournament underway, cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the clash between London Spirit and Oval Invincibles at Lord’s. The iconic venue sets the stage for a thrilling season of cricket, where established stars and rising talents will compete for glory and recognition.
The diverse squad compositions across teams promise a dynamic and competitive tournament, with fans eagerly awaiting the performances of players like Kane Williamson, Rashid Khan, and Jos Buttler. The Hundred 2025 is poised to deliver high-octane cricket action that will captivate audiences and elevate the profile of the tournament on the global stage.
Team Dynamics and Key Players to Watch
Birmingham Phoenix
With a blend of power hitters like Liam Livingstone and seasoned campaigners like Trent Boult, Birmingham Phoenix’s men’s squad presents a formidable challenge to their opponents. The addition of Ellyse Perry and Amy Jones in the women’s team adds depth and versatility to their lineup, making them a well-rounded outfit.
Manchester Originals
Jos Buttler’s explosive batting, coupled with the spin prowess of Rachin Ravindra, makes Manchester Originals a team to watch out for in the tournament. The presence of Sophie Ecclestone and Deandra Dottin in the women’s squad further strengthens their chances of success in The Hundred 2025.
Southern Brave
James Vince’s elegant stroke play, backed by the pace of Jofra Archer, gives Southern Brave a potent combination in the men’s squad. The leadership of Sophie Devine in the women’s team, along with the talent of Laura Wolvaardt, makes them a strong contender for the title.
Welsh Fire
The firepower of Steve Smith and Jonny Bairstow in the men’s squad, complemented by the all-round skills of Hayley Matthews and Tammy Beaumont in the women’s team, positions Welsh Fire as a team capable of causing upsets and challenging the favorites in the tournament.
As the teams finalize their preparations and gear up for the start of The Hundred 2025, the stage is set for an exhilarating season of cricket that will showcase the best talents in the game. With a mix of established stars, promising youngsters, and strategic team compositions, the tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle that will captivate fans and elevate the excitement surrounding The Hundred.
