Steve Smith and Rashid Khan Join The Hundred as Salaries Rise

The 2025 season of The Hundred sees high-profile signings and increased salaries, while England's Ben Stokes opts out to focus on Ashes preparation.

Steve Smith, former Australian captain, joins Welsh Fire for the 2025 season of The Hundred, fulfilling a delayed plan to participate since the league's inception.
Afghanistan's Rashid Khan and Australia's Marcus Stoinis are among other marquee signings, with Khan joining Oval Invincibles and Stoinis heading to Trent Rockets.
The Wales Cricket Board has raised top salaries by 60%, attracting more international stars and boosting the league's profile.
England Test captain Ben Stokes will skip this year's tournament to manage his fitness ahead of the November Ashes series in Australia.
The 2025 season of The Hundred will run from August 5 to 31, with teams finalizing their rosters through upcoming drafts in March and May.