.svg)
Key Takeaways
- 1📊 Max 4 pre-signs: 1 retention, 2 overseas, 2 central contracts
- 2🏆 Birmingham Phoenix: Bethell retained, Ahmed signed
- 3💡 Women: Perry (overseas), Capsey pre-signed
- 4🔮 Auctions in March set explosive July 21-August 16 tournament
"January 16 deadline approaches to finalise retentions and direct signings ahead of inaugural auctions in March"
The Hundred frenzy builds as teams race to the January 16 deadline for retentions and direct signings ahead of March auctions. Eight men's and women's sides can lock four players each—at least one retained from last year, max two overseas, and max two with recent central contracts—for the July 21 to August 16 extravaganza.
Phoenix Spearhead Retentions
Birmingham Phoenix kick off with Jacob Bethell retained for men and Ellyse Perry (overseas) for women, plus Rehan Ahmed snatched from Trent Rockets and Alice Capsey from Oval Invincibles. Coaches Shane Bond (men) and Ali Maiden (women) eye a strong core.
Other outfits follow suit: expect Liam Livingstone and more big names to stay put as franchises strategize for explosive T20 action. Indian fans salivate over potential IPL crossovers like Perry's power-hitting echoing WPL fireworks.
