A major change is coming to The Hundred as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially replaced the traditional draft system with a full IPL-style auction for the 2026 season. For the first time in the competition’s history, teams will build their squads through a public bidding event, marking a new era for the 100-ball league.
The auction will be held at Piccadilly Lights in London, making it the first public player auction for a major UK sports league. More than 200 players from around the world are expected to be available, increasing excitement among fans and franchises ahead of the new season.
The Hundred 2026 Auction Schedule Dates
The auction will take place over two days, covering both men’s and women’s competitions.
| Category | Date | Venue | Auctioneer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s Auction | 11 March 2026 | Piccadilly Lights, London | Richard Madley |
| Men’s Auction | 12 March 2026 | Piccadilly Lights, London | Richard Madley |
Player registration closed on 16 February 2026, and the final player list has now been confirmed.
Salary Cap Increased for 2026 Season
One of the biggest changes for the upcoming season is a major rise in team budgets, thanks to new investment and the league’s growing popularity.
Team Salary Structure
| Category | Total Salary Pot | Pre-Auction Deduction | Minimum Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Teams | £2.05 million | £950,000 (after pre-signings) | — |
| Women’s Teams | £880,000 | £310,000 | £15,000 |
Teams must build squads of 16–18 players, with the majority of players coming from the auction or wildcard system. A minimum spending rule (salary collar) will also apply to ensure balanced squad investment.
Also see: Punjab Kings Announce CP PLUS as Title Sponsor for IPL 2026
Pre-Auction Signings and Big Names Available
Franchises were allowed to retain or sign up to four players between November 2025 and January 2026. Several top England stars have already been secured, including Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Jofra Archer, Jamie Smith, and Brydon Carse.
However, many big names are still available in the auction pool.
| Men | Women |
|---|---|
| Joe Root | Amy Jones |
| Adil Rashid | Dani Gibson |
| Jason Holder | Davina Perrin |
| Jordan Cox | — |
More than 50 Pakistani players have registered for the auction, including Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Haris Rauf, though some high-profile names are not part of the list.
Major Rule Changes for The Hundred 2026
ECB has introduced several important updates to make the competition more competitive and attractive:
- Overseas player limit increased from 3 to 4 in the playing XI
- Multi-year contracts allowed
- Wildcard draft after the auction for unsold players
- Replacement rules for injuries or withdrawals
- Mandatory eligibility requirements such as anti-corruption and medical screening
These changes bring the league structure closer to other major global franchise tournaments.
A New Era for The Hundred
With private investment exceeding £550 million and a new auction format, The Hundred is entering its biggest phase yet. The public auction, higher salaries, and wider overseas participation are expected to increase competition and global interest.
All eyes will now be on the March auction to see which players attract the biggest bids and how teams shape their squads for the 2026 season.
