The Hundred 2026: First-Ever Player Auction Announced, IPL-Style System Introduced

The Hundred will host its first-ever player auction in March 2026, ahead of the tournament’s sixth season. The new system, which also introduces multi-year contracts, is part of a wider update to player salaries and the selection model for both men’s and women’s competitions.

From the 2026 season, each team will have 16 to 18 players, including up to four overseas cricketers. A salary cap and a salary collar (minimum spend) will be in place to ensure competitive balance. Unlike before, there won’t be fixed salaries by slot, teams will now decide player prices through bidding at the auction.

Salary Structure and Increases

The rise in the women’s salary pot means even the lowest-paid players will now earn at least £15,000, up from £10,000.

Pre-Auction Signings

Teams can make up to four signings between mid-November and the end of January before the auction begins:

• Maximum three can be direct signings (overseas or England centrally contracted players)

• Minimum one must be a retention (any player, domestic, overseas, or centrally contracted)

• Up to two England centrally contracted and two overseas players are allowed

• No right-to-match option this season

Pre-Auction Salary Deductions

These deductions will be subtracted from each team’s salary pot before the auction, based on how many pre-auction players they retain or sign directly. The system follows a tiered cumulative cap model, similar to the IPL.

Wildcard Draft

The Wildcard Draft will continue for both men’s and women’s tournaments, allowing teams to add two final players in June, usually top performers from the domestic circuit.

Decision-Making and Vision

The new auction model was developed by The Hundred Playing Working Group, which includes representatives from all eight teams, the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA), and the ECB. The changes have been officially approved by The Hundred Board.

Vikram Banerjee on The Hundred’s New Auction and Salary Changes

"This is a hugely exciting time for The Hundred. These changes will help us make the competition even better, ensuring we get the best players in the world and improving the standard of cricket and level of entertainment further again. Working alongside our new partners we've been exploring how we can take The Hundred forward and we've decided that moving to an auction will allow us to improve the competition. For a competition that has always been proud to innovate, we're delighted to be holding the first auction in major UK sport," Vikram Banerjee, Managing Director of The Hundred, said.