Steve Smith and Rashid Khan are set to star in the upcoming edition of The Hundred, marking significant additions as teams finalize their rosters for the 2025 season of the popular 100-ball cricket league. Smith, the former Australia captain, has been signed by Welsh Fire, whereas Afghanistan's premier all-rounder Rashid Khan has secured his place with the defending champions, Oval Invincibles.
This year, teams had the opportunity to directly sign one new overseas player before completing their rosters through the upcoming Hundred Draft scheduled for next month. This marks the first time such direct signings have been allowed, and both Smith and Khan emerged as key figures on deadline day, generating excitement among fans and analysts alike.
Smith, who was initially set to participate during the inaugural season of The Hundred—delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic—expressed his enthusiasm about finally joining the competition. “I was due to be involved with The Hundred at the beginning of the competition, so it’s great to finally be able to make it to Wales,” Smith stated, reflecting optimism about the tournament, which he describes as “a lot of fun” with “world class” talent across all participating teams.
Rashid Khan's addition is expected to bolster the Oval Invincibles' already powerful lineup, as the team aims to secure yet another title. Known globally for his exceptional leg-spin bowling and explosive batting at the lower order, Khan remains one of the most sought-after T20 players. His role will be instrumental as the Invincibles pursue back-to-back championships.
Both Smith and Khan will join other international stars set to feature this season. New Zealand's Trent Boult is set to play for Birmingham Phoenix, adding to their pace attack, and Kane Williamson has also signed with London Spirit. Other notable signings include Heinrich Klaasen for Manchester Originals and David Miller for Northern Superchargers, bringing additional talent to the league.
Meanwhile, major absences will also be felt in this edition. England Test captain Ben Stokes, known for his contributions to both the international team and The Hundred, has opted out to manage his workload with upcoming international commitments looming. His absence raises questions about the team dynamics and how effectively England can perform without one of its stalwarts.
Across the women's competition, significant signings continue to reshape the roster as well. The defending champions, Oval Invincibles, have welcomed Australian captain Meg Lanning, adding experience and leadership to their squad. Another addition to the Birmingham Phoenix is Megan Schutt, another Australian player, showing the depth of talent drawn to this format.
South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt is set to play for Southern Brave, and the highly regarded Amelia Kerr, the ICC Women’s Cricketer of 2024, has also been signed by Manchester Originals, ensuring high-caliber performances are anticipated throughout the franchise tournament.
The 2025 season of The Hundred runs from August 5 to August 31, with the opening match scheduled to feature Oval Invincibles against London Spirits at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground. The competition has grown significantly over the years, drawing heightened interest not only from fans but also from franchise owners globally, leading to increased stakes and expectations.
The upcoming edition promises to be larger and more competitive, showcasing cricket's biggest names. The newly introduced overseas signings alongside established talents like Smith and Khan create an exciting prospect for teams and viewers alike. “The list of players joining the competition looks bigger than ever, across the men’s and women’s competitions,” noted England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, who plays for Trent Rockets.
With both men's and women's competitions gearing up for another thrilling season, The Hundred continues to attract globally renowned players, promising fans and cricket enthusiasts unforgettable action and world-class performances.