2023 will see the first ever Woman’s draft for The Hundred. Whilst not a fan of the format at all, it is undeniable that it has been good for the exposure of the Woman’s game, although as with the Men more investment and some creative thinking around the existing Blast would have achieved the same, indeed more, as more teams equals more players!
No expert at all but this will see some significant changes to franchises that have already established a following, but that is the reality and fickle nature of franchise cricket.
From Sky
The Hundred is set to make further history by introducing the first ever women’s player Draft to be held by a major UK sport ahead of next summer’s tournament.
The Draft will coincide with that of the men’s tournament as teams between them draft at least 32 domestic and overseas women’s players.
Welsh Fire occupy the first overall pick at the 2023 Draft after finishing bottom of the standings with a record of 1-5 last season, while the reigning champion Oval Invincibles will pick last.
Until now the absence of a draft in the women’s tournament meant teams were permitted to recruit players from around the world within their salary cap allowance until the end of June.
“It is brilliant news that The Hundred will be holding the first-ever draft in the women’s game, and it’ll be fascinating to see who is first pick!” said London Spirit’s Heather Knight.
“We’ve already talked about it as a playing group – it’s really exciting and I think we’ve seen in the men’s game that drafts really get people discussing and debating selection, so it’s great that the women’s competition will be part of that conversation.”
The selection process will consist of three stages, beginning with retention as teams are allowed to keep a maximum of four players from their 2022 squads when the retention window opens next month. At this point teams can only retain a maximum of three England Women’s central contract or overseas players, which account for ‘marquee players’, and can sign no more than two England or two overseas players.
Via: Sky Sports