Australia’s Steve Smith and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan headline the latest marquee signings for the upcoming season of The Hundred, while England Test captain Ben Stokes has withdrawn to manage his international workload.
Smith will suit up for Welsh Fire, bringing experience and firepower to their squad for the 2025 edition. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan joins defending champions Oval Invincibles, bolstering their lineup as they chase a historic third consecutive title. Known for his deadly leg-spin and powerful lower-order hitting, Rashid remains one of the most sought-after players in global T20 leagues.
“I’m delighted to be joining Welsh Fire later this summer. I was due to be involved with The Hundred at the beginning of the competition, so it’s great to finally be able to make it to Wales,” Smith said.
New Zealand’s left-arm pacer Trent Boult has also signed on, joining Birmingham Phoenix to add firepower to their pace attack. Other major moves include Marcus Stoinis heading to Trent Rockets and Kane Williamson signing with London Spirit, injecting further quality and stability into their respective teams.
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The women’s competition has also seen some high-profile signings. Australian great Meg Lanning will represent Oval Invincibles, while South African captain Laura Wolvaardt joins Southern Brave Women. New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr has been picked up by Manchester Originals Women, ensuring a star-studded lineup across the tournament.
While The Hundred continues to attract top-tier talent, Stokes’ absence is a notable one. The England captain, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, has chosen to prioritize his national duties and maintain his fitness for key international fixtures.
