England’s revolutionary 100-ball cricket league, The Hundred, is set to undergo a major transformation ahead of the 2026 season. Moving away from its traditional draft system, the tournament will adopt an IPL-style auction to sign players, bringing a new level of excitement and strategy to both the men’s and women’s competitions.
This change follows the footsteps of leagues like the ILT20 and is part of the board’s efforts to revitalize the league, especially after eight franchises have been partially or fully acquired by foreign investors.
Auction Details: Bigger Budgets, Bigger Signings
According to reports from ESPNCricinfo, the auction for The Hundred 2026 will take place in March 2026. Both men’s and women’s teams will see significant increases in salary caps:
- Men’s teams: From £1.2 million to £2.05 million per season
- Women’s teams: From £440,000 to £880,000 per season
The board will also introduce salary collars and minimum spends to ensure fair competition while giving franchises flexibility to strategize their purchases.
Here’s the proposed breakdown for player signings in the auction:
| No. of Signings | Men’s Amount | Women’s Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | £350k | £130k |
| 2 | £650k | £240k |
| 3 | £850k | £310k |
| 4 | £950k | £360k |
This structured salary framework is expected to bring transparency and allow teams to plan their squad-building strategies, similar to how IPL franchises operate.
Overseas Players and Retention Rules
Another key change is the increase in the number of overseas players per squad, moving from 3-4, subject to Home Office clearance. Teams will also have Right to Match cards, giving them the option to retain previously contracted players.
Additionally, franchises can directly sign two overseas players and two centrally-contracted English players during the mid-November to mid-January window, ensuring teams have access to key talent before the auction begins.
The wildcard system will also remain in place, allowing two players per franchise to be picked from the T20 Blast via a draft in June 2026 – giving young and domestic players a pathway into the league.
A Game-Changer for The Hundred
This shift to an IPL-style auction is expected to inject more competitiveness and excitement into The Hundred. Fans can anticipate thrilling bidding wars, strategic signings, and high-profile player acquisitions, much like the IPL mini-auctions and trade windows.
For franchises, the auction provides more control and flexibility in building squads, while players stand to benefit from higher salaries and bigger exposure. The combination of increased salary caps, overseas player flexibility, and the retention/wildcard system makes The Hundred 2026 one of the most anticipated seasons yet.
Also Read: Abhishek Nayar KKR Head Coach: 3 Major Moves That He Could Make Ahead of IPL 2026
