2024 The Hundred Draft: The Hundred draft threw some surprises this year, with several established stars like Babar Azam, David Warner, and Jason Roy going unsold. However, the day belonged to the West Indies, with several players securing lucrative contracts.
West Indies stars dominate Top Pay brackets
Former England coach Andrew Flintoff, now head coach for the Northern Superchargers, wasted no time picking Nicholas Pooran with the first draft pick.
This set the tone for a West Indian takeover, with five of the seven players in the top £125,000 bracket being Windies powerhouses.
Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, and Kieron Pollard all secured impressive contracts, showcasing the teams’ confidence in their explosive batting styles. With no scheduling conflicts between The Hundred and the Caribbean Premier League this year, these players are poised to light up the tournament.
Surprises and Omissions: 2024 The Hundred Draft
While the West Indies contingent thrived, some big names were surprisingly overlooked. England’s 2019 World Cup hero Jason Roy, Australian opener David Warner, and Pakistan’s Babar Azam all went unsold. Mark Wood, another England fast bowler, also missed out despite a hefty reserve price.
However, players can still be picked as replacements throughout the season if vacancies arise.
Women’s Draft sees familiar faces and rising stars
The women’s draft also saw a mix of established players and rising stars. England’s Heather Knight will team up with former Australian captain Meg Lanning at the London Spirit, while the world’s number one T20 batter, Beth Mooney, joins the Manchester Originals.
India’s Smriti Mandhana will showcase her talent for the Southern Brave, while Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu joins the Oval Invincibles.
The Hundred gets set for explosive season
With the draft complete, The Hundred is gearing up for an exciting season. A strong West Indian presence, coupled with established international stars and rising domestic talents, promises a summer of thrilling cricket. While some big names may be missing, the stage is set for a new generation of players to shine.