The inaugural Women’s Hundred Auction for the 2026 season took place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Piccadilly Lights in London. This marked a historic shift from the previous draft system to an IPL-style auction model, fueled by new private investment and several franchises being rebranded to reflect their IPL-affiliated owners.

Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney lead a record-breaking day

The single biggest storyline of the auction was the attention two prominent stars recieved. With private equity pouring into the league and the franchises, the women’s team salary pots were doubled to a substantial £880,000 each. This created intense bidding wars that pushed the top player prices to unprecedented levels. The day’s ultimate prize was shared by two stalwarts of the international game – Sophie Devine (£210,000) and Beth Mooney (£210,000).

The New Zealand powerhouse’s explosive batting and clever medium-pace make her a complete package. Devine’s addition gives Welsh Fire an incredible X-factor and captaincy option, justifying her status as the joint-most expensive signing. Similarly, Mooney, one of the most consistent run-scorer in T20 cricket, offers stability and firepower at the top of the order. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter’s move to Nottingham is a massive statement from the Rockets.

Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh headline new signings

While blockbuster stars like Smriti Mandhana (Manchester Super Giants) and Amelia Kerr (MI London) were already retained by their teams, the auction was the only path for many other top-tier internationals. The South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk was another player in high demand, securing a massive £170,000 deal for her batting and crucial death-over bowling. Following Deepti Sharma‘s pre-retention by Sunrisers Leeds (£27,500), the wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh was another significant buy, joining the Manchester Super Giants for £50,000. These signings continue to deepen the links between English and Indian domestic cricket.

Also READ: Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu return to fold as New Zealand announces squad for South Africa Women’s T20I series

Complete list of Sold players at The Hundred 2026 auction

Also READ: Tahlia Wilson earns maiden call-up as Australia Women announce squad for West Indies white-ball tour

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson (ANI Photo)

No side had ever defended the T20 World Cup title. Suryakumar Yadav’s boys did it first. At home, no less. Here is TOI’s report card of the 15 men who made it happen.GAUTAM GAMBHIR (COACH) – 9/10Two consecutive ICC trophies. The only man in history to win a T20 World Cup as player and coach. His biggest contribution was framing the team’s ideology to “not playing for milestones”. He backed Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy through their lean phase.JASPRIT BUMRAH – 10/10There is a reason Suryakumar Yadav called him a “national treasure”. India’s cheat code! Named Player of the Match in the final for figures of 4/15. Finished joint top wickettaker with 14 scalps and economy of 6.21 — remarkable on surfaces where everyone else bled runs. In the semifinal, he gave away just 14 runs across two overs in the death when England needed 69 off the last five overs.M: 8 | W: 14 | ER: 6.21 | Ave: 12.42 | SR: 12.00

SANJU SAMSON – 10/10When he got his chance, he dismantled the opposition bowling, narratives against him, and years of heartbreak. He kicked off his scoring spree with an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in a virtual quarterfinal, then 89 against England in the semifinal, and another 89 in the final — becoming only the second batter to score three consecutive 80-plus scores at a T20 World Cup. His 89 was the highest individual score in a men’s T20 World Cup final. Was fittingly named Player of the Tournament.M: 5 | R: 321 | SR: 199.37 | Ave: 80.25 | 50s: 3ISHAN KISHAN – 9/10The comeback stories at this World Cup had a recurring theme. People who had been written off, coming back with a bang. His redemption arc was complete after smashing 54 off 25 in the final. His best performance came against Pakistan, leading the Indian charge with 77 off 40. He finished as the fourth-highest runscorer in the tournament.M: 9 | R: 317 | SR: 193.29 | Ave: 35.22 | 50s: 3HARDIK PANDYA – 8.5/10A reliable, clutch professional who showed up in the moments that mattered. Scored a halfcentury each against Namibia and Zimbabwe, but his best came in the semifinal against England, where he scored a rapid 27 off 12 that powered India to a 250-plus total. With the ball, his best came against Pakistan (2/16). In the semifinal, he bowled the 19th over for just nine runs, claiming 2/38 to halt England.M: 9 | R: 217 | SR: 160.74 | Ave: 27.12 | 50s: 2 Wkts: 9 | ER: 8.81 | BB: 2/16SHIVAM DUBE – 8/10Bailed India out of tough situations while batting down the order. His 31-ball 65 against the Netherlands helped India to 193 after struggling initially. In the final, he scored 24 runs in the final over, taking India to 255. Even in the semis against England, he played a clutch knock, hitting 43 off 25 and taking down the wily Adil Rashid.M: 9 | R: 235 | SR: 169.06 | Ave: 39.16 | 50s: 1 Wkts: 5 | ER: 14.12 | BB: 2/35AXAR PATEL – 8/10While he was not required with the bat, he came to the fore with the ball taking 11 wickets, often bowling clutch overs. In the final, he took 3/27. In the semis, two stunning catches from him changed the game entirely.M: 7 | R: 16 | SR: 106.66 | Ave: 5.33 | 50s: 0

India head coach Gautam Gambhir with captain Suryakumar Yadav. (Pic credit: BCCI)

SURYAKUMAR YADAV (CAPTAIN) – 7.5/10He led with clarity, instinct and energy. He read the game well and wasn’t afraid to back his bowlers or shuffle the batting order under pressure. But with the bat, he looked a shadow of his peak self. Scored a solitary half-century—an unbeaten 84 off 49 against USA—that saved India the early blushes.M: 9 | R: 242 | SR: 136.72 | Ave: 30.25 | 50s: 1TILAK VARMA – 7.5/10He started at No.3 but it didn’t work. Dropped down to the middle-order and suddenly he looked a different batter. A 16-ball unbeaten 44 against Zimbabwe stood out, a 15-ball 27 against Windies, and a 7-ball 21 against England in the semis, where he smashed three sixes off Jofra Archer, underscored his importance.Inns: 9 | Runs: 207 | SR: 154.47 | Ave: 29.57 | 50s: 0ARSHDEEP SINGH – 7.5/10On the high-scoring surfaces, he couldn’t quite replicate his 2024 heroics but still managed crucial performances in the semifinal against England and in the Super Eight game against Zimbabwe. The side trusted him throughout, and more often than not, he repaid that trust.M: 8 | W: 9 | ER: 8.46 | Ave: 28.22 | SR: 20 | BB: 2/24VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY – 7/10I t was a tournament of two halves. He took nine wickets in the group stage and bowled economically, but across the next five matches, he leaked runs at 11.84, picking up just five more wickets. But 14 wickets at a World Cup is not bad.M: 9 | W: 14 | ER: 9.25 | Ave: 20.50 | SR: 13.20 | BB: 3/7KULDEEP YADAV – 7/10Played just one match. Against Pakistan in Colombo, he delivered a tight three-over spell, taking 1/14. He watched the rest of the tournament from the dugout.M: 1 | W: 1 | ER: 4.66 | Ave: 14 | SR: 18 | BB: 1/14MOHAMMED SIRAJ – 7/10Called into the squad as a last-minute replacement for Harshit Rana, he played only the opening match against the USA and walked away with figures of 3/29, stepping in for Bumrah who was ill.M: 1 | W: 3 | ER: 7.25 | Ave: 9.66 | SR: 8 | BB: 3/29ABHISHEK SHARMA – 6/10This was supposed to be his World Cup but lived on the edge of a cliff for seven matches, collecting three ducks in his first three innings. Opposition off-spinners tied him in knots. There was noise about dropping him for the final. He silenced it most decisively, scoring the fastest half-century of the tournament off just 18 balls.M: 8 | R: 141 | SR: 158.42 | Ave: 17.62 | 50s: 2RINKU SINGH – 5/10His tournament was truncated and difficult. Batting in cameo roles that didn’t suit him, he lost his place in the XI by the business end. But every Indian fielding highlight featured him; he contributed as a substitute fielder and remained a warm presence in what was clearly a painful month, having lost his father midway through the tournament.M: 5 | R: 24 | SR: 82.75 | Ave: 8.00 | 50s: 0WASHINGTON SUNDAR – 5/10He featured in just two games, registering 0/36 against the Netherlands and 0/17 against South Africa with the ball. In the one innings he batted against the Proteas, he scored just 11 runs. He was the squad’s depth, used as cover.M: 2 | R: 11 | SR: 100.00 | Ave: 11.00 | 50s: 0 Wkts: 0 | ER: 8.83

MUMBAI: The BMC administration has reviewed 237 cases in which birth certificates were allegedly issued fraudulently in the city, and of these, 119 certificates have been removed from the portal online and taken back from the families to whom they were issued, Mumbai mayor Ritu Tawde said on Wednesday.She made the statement after a review meeting she had convened on the matter with civic officials at the BMC headquarters, nearly a month after she first raised concerns over birth certificates allegedly issued fraudulently to Bangladeshi nationals.The meeting was also attended by ex-BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, who has been pursuing the matter with authorities and demanding action. While 119 certifications stand withdrawn, Tawde said, “Of the remaining cases, 29 people have refused to return certificates despite being approached. We have instructed the administration to file FIRs against them. In addition, 87 individuals could not be traced, and we have asked officials to also initiate FIRs in those cases.” This means FIRs are to be filed against 116 individuals. Two other certificates are showing an error in the system, officials said.Tawde said the administration will also examine how removing such individuals from the rolls would be feasible if their documents are found fraudulent. Somaiya, she added, has already been appointed chairman of a nine-member committee of the Maharashtra BJP to monitor the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.The mayor said a demand has also been made to set up a special investigation team to probe the alleged scam.During the meeting, officials also shared data on birth certificate corrections or changes made in 2025, according to which 19,859 applications were received by the medical officer of health. Tawde said the highest number of certificates were from M East (Mankhurd-Govandi), E (Byculla) and L (Kurla) wards, which raises suspicion. “We have sought verification of these 19,859 certificates, and the administration has asked for three months to complete the process,” she said.Somaiya said in L (Kurla) ward alone, 2,698 certificates had come in for correction, which is a big number as many wards had less than 1,000. Similarly, in E ward (Byculla), 2,207 had come in for correction in the last year.Meanwhile, Powai police arrested 5 Bangladeshi women and apprehended a seven-year-old girl from Pune for allegedly residing illegally after crossing the border through Bengal. The women were tracked after police arrested four members of a family from Powai and Navi Mumbai in Jan and Feb.

The advance sales for ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ are showing no signs of slowing down. The film, starring Ranveer Singh in the lead, is just a week away from its release, and it is already eyeing a USD 3 million debut at the North American box office. The sequel to the 2025 blockbuster hit ‘Dhurandhar’, is set to begin its box office run on a strong note. Early advance box office reports indicate that the film’s total advance collections for the North America premiere shows have hit an estimated USD 975,000, as per Venky box office.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ advance USA box office collections

The North America opening day collections, including the premiere shows, has hit an advance sales of USD 1.45 million. Meanwhile, the total first weekend collections have hit an estimated USD 2.8 million. With a week still to go before the film releases worldwide, it remains to be seen just how much the movie can make at the box office and set a new record in advance ticket sales. Of the total revenue, Texas has raked in the highest gross total of USD 162, 198 with California coming in second with a total haul of USD 145, 686 and New Jersey raking in an estimated USD 68,868. As per the report, the film’s Hindi language release has alone scored an impressive USD 874K haul.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ to clash with ‘Project Hail Mary’

While Yash’s ‘Toxic’ may have bowed out of a box office battle with ‘Dhurandhar 2’, the Ranveer starrer will still have to face off against the Hollywood sci-fi film ‘Project Hail Mary’ starring Ryan Gosling in the lead. The film that hits the big screens on March 20, is currently eyeing a USD 60-70 million opening, as per early box office predictions.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ advance collections at Indian box office

Meanwhile, according to latest data, the film’s domestic premier shows have already recorded a massive Rs 19.01 crore gross in advance bookings. Meanwhile, the film’s gross total collection, taking into account blocked seats, thus push the film’s advance to an estimated Rs 24.2 crore.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ to have wide release

It is worth noting that ‘Dhurandhar’ opened at the box office last year with a total net collection of Rs 28 crore, in just the Hindi language. For the sequel, the team has ensured a wide release for the movie in Hindi markets, as well as south markets by dubbing the film in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.

About ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’

The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi and Yami Gautam.The film will also have premiere shows scheduled to play in cinemas on March 18, a day before the film’s official worldwide release on March 19.

NEW DELHI: A complaint has been filed against Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya alleging disrespect to the national flag during celebrations after India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The complaint was submitted by advocate Wajid Khan Bidkar at the Shivaji Nagar police station, accusing the all-rounder of insulting the Tricolour during the team’s on-field celebrations following the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.According to the complaint, several videos from the victory celebrations went viral on social media, showing Pandya celebrating with the national flag draped over his shoulder. The complainant alleged that during the celebrations the cricketer was seen dancing and later lying down on the stage with the flag still wrapped around him.

Khan has argued that the act amounts to disrespect towards the national flag and violates provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.“You must have seen the T20 World Cup celebrations. Hardik Pandya was dancing with his girlfriend in celebration of his victory. The national flag was tied to his back,” Khan told ANI.“According to Section 2 of the 1971 National Flag Act, we should respect the dignity of the national flag. However, Hardik Pandya was so lost in the celebration that he was lying with his girlfriend while wearing the national flag. I believe it is an insult to the national flag,” he added.Khan said he initially faced questions from the police about jurisdiction since the incident occurred in Ahmedabad. However, he insisted that a complaint could still be filed as the national flag represents the entire country.“When I went to file the complaint, they told me the incident occurred there, not here. I told them the national flag is a symbol of the entire nation, and we can file a complaint here. They have accepted my complaint and given me a copy,” he said.A police officer at the Shivaji Nagar station confirmed that the application had been received but did not provide further details on possible action.The complaint comes after India’s dominant win over New Zealand national cricket team in the final on Sunday. India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title.The victory also marked a historic milestone for India national cricket team. The team became the first side to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, the first to secure consecutive titles after their 2024 triumph, and the first nation to lift the trophy three times, having previously won in 2007 and 2024.

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Photo: Hardik Pandya/ Instagram

The celebrations of India’s consecutive T20 World Cup triumph in 2026 are still fresh in Ahmedabad, and Hardik Pandya stands at the heart of the festivities. His transformation, from the most heavily criticized figure in Indian cricket in 2024 to the “Ice-Man” of the 2026 final, is a remarkable tale of comeback.But as the interviews rolled in, fans noticed a peculiar linguistic quirk. Instead of saying “I was nervous,” Hardik might say, “Hardik Pandya knows how to handle these moments.” While the internet loves a good “ego” meme, what we’re actually seeing is a sophisticated psychological tool called illeism.

Far from being a “gaffe,” it’s the same mind hack used by legendary sport stars like LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo. Here is the science behind why Hardik speaks about “Hardik Pandya” in the third person.

1. The “Inner Coach” Effect (Self-Distancing)

When you are in the heat of a World Cup final over, your emotions are screaming. By using his own name, Hardik creates psychological distance. It’s the difference between being in the fire and watching the fire from a safe distance– a way of detaching from the moment and just being an observer.The Logic: Psychologists like Ethan Kross have shown that talking to yourself by name reduces emotional reactivity.The Result: It allows him to give himself objective advice. He isn’t a nervous guy under pressure; he’s a coach directing a player named “Hardik” on what to do next.

2. Branding the “Superstar” vs. the human

AHMEDABAD, INDIA – MARCH 08: Hardik Pandya of India poses for a photo with the trophy after victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 Final between India and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Ahmedabad, India. (Photo by Prakash Singh/Getty Images)

For elite athletes, their name is a brand. There is “Hardik,” the guy who plays with his son Agastya at home, and then there is “Hardik Pandya,” the commercial powerhouse and India’s premier all-rounder cricketer.The Public Persona: When he refers to himself in the third person, he is often talking about the player and the expectations that come with that brand.The Shield: It helps him separate public criticism from his private self-worth. If people boo “Hardik Pandya,” it’s about the brand, not the man.

3. The Neuroscience: Amygdala vs. Logic

This isn’t just “sports speak”; it’s a brain bypass.Lowering the Alarm: Using the third person helps quiet the amygdala (the brain’s fear center).Boosting the CEO: It simultaneously engages the prefrontal cortex (the area responsible for logic and complex decision-making).In plain English: It turns the “panic” volume down and the “clear thinking” volume up. It’s why you’ll hear high-pressure performers say things like, “LeBron James has to do what’s best for the team.”

4. Builds authority

In a leadership role, saying “This is what Hardik Pandya expects” carries more weight than “I’d like us to do this.” It signals authority and certainty. It sets a standard for the entire dressing room, reinforcing his identity as a big-match player both to his teammates and—crucially—to himself.

How You Can Use the “Hardik Hack”

You don’t need a stadium full of fans to benefit from this. Psychologists actually recommend this to combat anxiety in daily life.Instead of: “I’m going to mess up this presentation.”Try: “XYZ [Your Name] has prepared for this. They just need to stay calm and deliver the key points.”It feels a bit weird at first, but it forces your brain to talk to you like a supportive mentor rather than a harsh critic.Hardik’s “third-person” talk is a masterclass instrumental resilience. Try it in high-pressure situations and see how this helps.