Emily arlott

These Direct Signings: The deadline day for retention in The Hundred 2025 has come and gone, with teams finalising the core of their squads before the highly anticipated Draft on March 12. Each of the eight teams in the competition had the opportunity to retain up to 10 players from their 2024 squads.

The big news of the day was that Australian superstar Steve Smith, and interim captain in the absence of Pat Cummins, will play in the competition for the first time in 2025 after having signed for the Welsh Fire.

“I’ve watched the Hundred from afar and I can’t wait to be involved. It looks a lot of fun and obviously the cricket is world-class, with talent at every team,” said Smith in a statement.