It was a case of big signings in the men’s Hundred draft as the eight teams finessed preparations for the fourth edition of the competition.
Overseas incomings were dominated by a West Indies contingent led by opening pick Nicholas Pooran at Andrew Flintoff’s Northern Superchargers and Andre Russell joining London Spirit.
Kieron Pollard will play for Southern Brave and Rovman Powell is set for his first men’s Hundred stint with 2022 winners Trent Rockets.
The 125,000 bracket was completed by Birmingham Phoenix signing Pakistan quick Naseem Shah and Welsh Fire adding Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who had been released by Rockets during the off-season.
London Spirit secured the services of two West Indian powerhouses, with Andre Russell and Shimron Hetmyer joining their ranks. Known for their ability to smash boundaries with ease, Russell and Hetmyer are expected to bring an exciting brand of cricket to the Spirit camp, captivating fans with their explosive stroke play.
Meanwhile, Southern Brave strengthened their batting lineup by acquiring the services of Kieron Pollard, adding the experienced all-rounder’s firepower to their arsenal. Pollard’s ability to turn the game on its head with his big-hitting prowess makes him a valuable asset for the Brave as they aim for glory in The Hundred.
Rovman Powell emerged as a top pick for Trent Rockets, further solidifying the West Indian presence in the tournament.
Powell’s aggressive batting style and knack for scoring quick runs make him a perfect fit for the Rockets’ lineup, providing the team with a dynamic middle-order batsman capable of changing the course of a game single-handedly.
While the draft brought joy to these five West Indian stars, there was disappointment for mystery spinner Sunil Narine, who went undrafted.
Despite his absence from the draft, Narine remains a formidable force in the world of cricket, with his unique bowling skills and all-round abilities.