The Hundred Player Auction 2026 to Replace Draft System
The Hundred player auction 2026 will mark a new era for the competition, as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed a major structural change. Starting from the 2026 season, the draft system will be replaced by a full IPL-style auction. Moreover, significant salary hikes for both men’s and women’s teams were approved. This followed the ECB’s £550 million equity sale earlier this year.
Major Salary Increases Across The Hundred
According to the ECB, the Hundred player auction 2026 will also introduce substantial salary boosts. Men’s teams will see their total spending cap rise from £1.2 million to £2.05 million. Meanwhile, women’s teams will benefit from a 100% increase, with their budget growing to £880,000 per team. The minimum salary for women players will also climb from £10,000 to £15,000, ensuring greater financial parity across the tournament.
Key Features of The Hundred Player Auction 2026
The maiden Hundred player auction 2026 is scheduled for March 2026. Teams will now have both salary caps and salary collars, creating a minimum spend requirement per season. Furthermore, the inclusion of multi-year contracts will bring flexibility. It will also provide long-term stability for franchises. The number of overseas players allowed per squad is set to rise from three to four, pending Home Office approval.
In addition, franchises can make up to four direct signings before the auction — two overseas players and two England-contracted stars. However, their pre-auction spending will be adjusted depending on the number of players signed beforehand. For example, men’s teams making one signing will have £350,000 deducted, while four signings will reduce their budget by £950,000.
Strengthening Competitiveness and Attracting Global Talent
According to Vikram Banerjee, Managing Director of The Hundred, the move aims to attract the best talent worldwide and boost entertainment value. The Hundred player auction 2026 will ensure better competition, fairer squad balance, and stronger international participation.
With top women players now earning up to £130,000, the league is also closing the gender pay gap in franchise cricket. As Banerjee noted, the transition to an auction is “a landmark step for UK sport” that will make The Hundred more dynamic and globally appealing.
