Big-Money Signings: Noor Ahmad and Michael Bracewell Strike Gold

Afghanistan’s left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad and New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell were the most expensive overseas signings, each securing £200,000 deals. Noor will join Manchester Originals, while Bracewell was picked by last season’s runners-up, Southern Brave.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Bracewell’s selection came after an impressive performance in New Zealand’s Champions Trophy campaign, where he shined both as a spinner and a lower-order batter. His all-round contributions in the final against India made him a hot pick in the draft.

David Warner and Rachin Ravindra Join The Hundred for the First Time

Australian opener David Warner earned his first Hundred contract, signing with London Spirit for £120,000. This move reunites him with former Australia head coach Justin Langer, who took over Spirit’s leadership earlier this year. Warner is one of five Australians signed in this year’s draft, alongside Ashton Turner, Riley Meredith, Chris Green, and Jason Behrendorf.

Another major debutant is New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, who was picked by Manchester Originals for £120,000. Fresh from winning the Player of the Tournament award at the Champions Trophy, Ravindra’s arrival is seen as a boost for The Hundred in its transition year following the recent franchise sales.

According to The Indian Express, the inclusion of players like Ravindra and Warner adds international star power to the tournament, making it more appealing for global audiences.

England Stars Land Lucrative Contracts

Several England players also secured big deals. Jamie Overton, now a key all-rounder in England’s white-ball setup, was signed by London Spirit for £200,000. Zak Crawley, who was released by Spirit, found a new home at Northern Superchargers with a £120,000 contract.

Chris Woakes was acquired by Welsh Fire as their designated England player, which led to a reshuffle in the squad. His inclusion meant that Fire couldn’t retain David Willey, who then secured a £200,000 deal with Trent Rockets. Willey’s former slot in the Fire squad was filled by left-arm seamer David Payne, who signed a £120,000 contract.

As per Cricbuzz, these high-profile domestic deals highlight the growing competition among England’s white-ball cricketers, as franchises continue to invest heavily in homegrown talent.

Wildcard Picks Still to Come

A total of 270 domestic and 350 overseas players had registered for the men’s Hundred draft, but only a limited number found teams. The eight franchises will have an opportunity to add two more players each in the wildcard draft in May before the tournament kicks off on August 5.

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