The Hundred have officially revealed their list of players to keep after the auction, providing fans with the first set of clarity on how each men’s team is putting together its team ahead of the auction this March. The pre-auction phase ensures that clubs have access to elite players by retaining them and can acquire their services directly to make up the core of their 2026 campaign in the Hundred format where they will play 100 balls.
The salary cap for men has just increased by 45%, to £2.05 million per team, and teams have already spent a lot of money in this first round. There are approximately 30 quality players who have been signed up to the eight teams. The transactions will feature veteran players and youngsters, and should prove to be a very competitive year.
The rule allowed teams to sign four players before the auction, but only three players could be signed directly from overseas or England (centrally contracted) and each team had to have a minimum of one retained from the 2025 squad. These investments are reflected in the final auction pot as salary deductions to give fair competition when the auction starts.
Team-by-Team Breakdown of The Hundred Retained Players 2026
Birmingham Phoenix
| Player | Type |
|---|---|
| Rehan Ahmed | Direct Signing |
| Jacob Bethell | Retained |
| Donovan Ferreira | Direct Signing |
| Mitchell Owen | Direct Signing |
London Spirit
| Player | Type |
|---|---|
| Dewald Brevis | Direct Signing |
| Liam Livingstone | Direct Signing |
| Jamie Overton | Retained |
| Adam Zampa | Direct Signing |
Manchester Super Giants
| Player | Type |
|---|---|
| Noor Ahmad | Retained |
| Jos Buttler | Retained |
| Liam Dawson | Direct Signing |
| Heinrich Klaasen | Retained |
MI London
| Player | Type |
|---|---|
| Sam Curran | Retained |
| Will Jacks | Retained |
| Rashid Khan | Retained |
| Nicholas Pooran | Direct Signing |
Southern Brave
| Player | Type |
|---|---|
| Jofra Archer | Retained |
| Jamie Smith | Direct Signing |
| Marcus Stoinis | Direct Signing |
| Tristan Stubbs | Direct Signing |
Sunrisers Leeds
| Player | Type |
|---|---|
| Harry Brook | Retained |
| Brydon Carse | Retained |
| Nathan Ellis | Direct Signing |
| Mitch Marsh | Direct Signing |
Trent Rockets
| Player | Type |
|---|---|
| Tom Banton | Retained |
| Tim David | Direct Signing |
| Ben Duckett | Direct Signing |
| Mitch Santner | Direct Signing |
Welsh Fire
| Player | Type |
|---|---|
| Marco Jansen | Direct Signing |
| Rachin Ravindra | Direct Signing |
| Phil Salt | Direct Signing |
| Chris Woakes | Retained |
The tables provide a good summary of the list of players currently retained by The Hundred for the men’s teams. The signings are a mixture of strategy and strategy; the teams are balancing continuity by retaining staff and adding players through direct contract signing.
Strategic Insights from The Hundred Retained Players 2026
There are a number of trends to be drawn from The Hundred retained players 2026. Power hitters and veterans of the game are on the rise, and teams are aiming for the aggressive 100-ball format. Manchester Super Giants have Jos Buttler in the top order, providing world-class opening batting and leadership. He is a reliable and consistent scorer, who has consistently found the back of the net in fast time for any team.
Jofra Archer will continue to be with Southern Brave, giving pace and a considerable wicket-taking threat, particularly in the end of the innings. He will play a key role in defence of totals and in applying pressure to opposition batters.
Rashid Khan continues one of the best spin partnerships by being retained by the MI London. His variations and control down the middle will be ideal for the structure of The Hundred.
Harry Brook remains an option at Sunrisers Leeds for his middle-order firepower and big match temperament. His retention will provide stability and proven experience in high pressure situations.
London Spirit recruit Liam Livingstone for his six-hitting ability and versatility. Highly rated young prospect Dewald Brevis adds exciting batting.
Stick with the same mix from the likes of Marcus Stoinis and Tristan Stubbs for a better mix in the finishing positions for Southern Brave. This partnership offers depth and punch in the later over and helped the Bangladeshis chase their target in style.
Sunrisers Leeds have also bolstered their squad with the inclusion of Harry Brook and Brydon Carse, both of whom they have kept, as well as the addition of Mitch Marsh and Nathan Ellis. Combination of speed and multifaceted skill makes for a well-rounded team attack.
Tim David, Ben Duckett and Mitch Santner were among the three recruits Trent Rockets had to recruit with Tom Banton as the only player they held on to. This group provides a combination of explosive batting, and good spin options.
Welsh Fire spent money on Marco Jansen, Rachin Ravindra and Phil Salt, but kept Chris Woakes on because of experience and leadership in the seam bowling department. Ravindra’s all-round performance complements Salt’s fast-bowling approach.
Birmingham Phoenix were all about young and variety in the form of Rehan Ahmed, Jacob Bethell, Donovan Ferreira and Mitchell Owen. This way, they show that they are confident about establishing a flexible unit.
Manchester Super Giants are based on the international stalwarts of Buttler, Klaasen, Noor Ahmad and Liam Dawson.
MI London signed Sam Curran, Will Jacks and Rashid Khan, and extended their contract with Nicholas Pooran.MI London signed Sam Curran, Will Jacks and Rashid Khan and extended the contract of Nicholas Pooran as well. Their overall power and spin potential is hazardous.
Salary and Auction Context
With the pay rise for 2026, teams were able to be more confident in their investment in the Hundred retained players 2026. Players whose signing was at the expense of four players had to take a hit on their auction pots, but they did get guaranteed star power. This trade and balance will play a part in the way franchises complete their squads in the March auction
What These Signings Mean for the 2026 Season
The Hundred players 2026 had a great start in this campaign. Teams that have good retention rates enjoy team chemistry and familiarity. Franchises that attract several direct signings also get new concepts and fresh vigor to throw at opponents.
Coaches will focus on incorporating these players in a particular playing position as pre-season training builds up. The strength of these early signings will be the foundation of the batting order, bowling rotations, and powerplay strategies.
All of this should bring to the fore high quality and entertaining cricket as the result of the blend of international experience and emerging English talent spread throughout the league. The sport will host some of the all-time greats, such as Buttler, Archer, Rashid Khan and Brook, as well as some exciting youngsters.
Players 2026 are the initial major players of the season for the Hundred. Even though the auction is still to come, squads will be changing shape with each passing day, but these core units already distinguish each franchise and give it a direction.
Overall, the 2026 edition promises to uphold the tournament’s legacy of competitive, quick, and accessible cricket. It’s the confirmed retained and signed players to guarantee more memorable performances on iconic stages this summer.
