London,26 February(HS): The England Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed the direct signing list for the Hundred 2025, which includes the names of many veteran players. Australia's star batsman Steve Smith has joined Welsh Fire, while women's cricket legend Meg Lanning will play for Oval Invincibles Women.
Afghanistan's star spinner Rashid Khan, who was part of Trent Rockets since 2021, has now joined Oval Invincibles. Ellyse Perry will remain with Birmingham Phoenix, while Megan Schutt has been signed as their international player. The men's team has retained Liam Livingstone, Dan Mousley, Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett and Trent Boult.
London Spirit released Jack Crawley, who was struggling with poor form recently. He has been replaced by New Zealand veteran batsman Kane Williamson. At the same time, the women's team released Lanning, while Grace Harris will remain in the team.
Manchester Originals have retained Jos Buttler, Phil Salt and Heinrich Klaasen. The pair of Amelia Kerr and Sophie Ecclestone will be seen in the women's team. Northern Superchargers have retained Harry Brook, Adil Rashid, while South Africa's David Miller will now play for Yorkshire.
Southern Brave have named Faf du Plessis as their direct signing, while James Vince, Jofra Archer, Tymal Mills, Chris Jordan and Craig Overton will remain the core players of the team. Danielle Wyatt-Hodge will remain in the women's team, while Laura Wolvaardt has been made the new signing.
Welsh Fire have signed Steve Smith to strengthen their top order. Jonny Bairstow, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Tom Abell have been retained in the team. Hayley Matthews, Tammy Beaumont and Shabnim Ismail will continue their game in the women's team.
2022 champions Trent Rockets have retained Joe Root, Tom Banton and Sam Hain, while Australia's Marcus Stoinis will be seen in yellow this time. The women's team includes Alana King, Heather Graham and Ash Gardner. England's star all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt will also remain a part of the team this season.
Cricket stars from around the world will once again showcase their skills in England in this exciting season of Hundred 2025.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
