New Auction System for The Hundred
The Hundred is evolving, and in 2026, it will introduce a full player auction model similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL). This marks a significant transition from the existing draft system that has been in place since its launch in 2021.
Increased Salary Purse for Men and Women
Teams will now have a salary purse of £2.05 million (around ?22 crore), reflecting a 45% increase from previous seasons. Moreover, women’s teams will see their salary limits doubled to £880,000 (around ?9.5 crore).
“This is a big step to make the Hundred even better,” stated Vikram Banerjee, managing director of the competition. “It will help attract top talent from around the world and excite fans.”
Details of the Player Auction
The auction will allow teams to bid for players openly, with squads consisting of 16 to 18 players. Up to four overseas players can now be included, enhancing the quality of the competition.
| Salary Details | Men's Teams | Women's Teams |
|---|
| Salary Purse | £2.05 million (?22 crore) | £880,000 (?9.5 crore) |
| Minimum Salary | N/A | £15,000 (?16 lakh) |
Pre-Auction Signings and Contracts
Teams can make up to four pre-auction signings between mid-November and the end of January. Among these signings, three can be made directly from either overseas cricketers or centrally contracted England players.
Additionally, a salary cap and a minimum spending limit, known as a “collar,” will be established to ensure competitive balance.
Aiming for Equality in Payments
The competition also prioritizes gender equality, with the minimum salary for women cricketers increasing by 50% to £15,000 (around ?16 lakh). This change reflects a growing commitment to support women's cricket and provide more equitable compensation.