The landscape of English cricket shifted dramatically yesterday (March 12) as The Hundred concluded its first-ever IPL-style player auction at Piccadilly Lights in London. This ‘New Era’ of the competition saw a massive influx of private capital, a 45% surge in the men’s salary cap to £2.05 million per team, and several high-profile franchise rebrands. From record-breaking domestic bids to historic international signings, the auction proved that The Hundred has firmly transitioned from its original draft system into a global financial powerhouse.

James Coles shatters records

The headline of the night was 21-year-old Sussex all-rounder James Coles, who became the most expensive player in the tournament’s history. London Spirit secured the young star for a staggering £390,000, outbidding heavy hitters like Sunrisers Leeds and Trent Rockets. Coles’ massive payday underscored the premium franchises are now placing on versatile domestic talent under the new private ownership model.

Abrar Ahmed roped in by Sunrisers

In one of the most discussed moves of the day, Sunrisers Leeds—owned by the Sun Group (owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad)—signed Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed for £190,000. This move made significant waves as it marked a rare instance of an Indian-owned franchise recruiting a Pakistani cricketer, breaking a long-standing unofficial trend seen in other global leagues. Birmingham Phoenix also tapped into Pakistan’s talent pool, securing mystery spinner Usman Tariq for £140,000.

Aiden Markram becomes costliest overseas player

Thursday’s auction also delivered lucrative deals for several prominent names. Tom Curran secured a £260,000 contract with MI London, while veteran spinner Adil Rashid was picked up by Southern Brave for £250,000.

Joe Root became the first player to be sold in the bidding, joining Welsh Fire for £240,000. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Leeds turned to Dan Lawrence, signing him for £210,000 after missing out on Coles earlier in the process.

Among overseas players, Aiden Markram commanded the biggest offer, landing a £200,000 deal with Manchester Super Giants. The South African captain already represents two other franchises under the Super Giants banner — Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and Durban’s Super Giants in SA20 — further strengthening his association with the group.

Also READ: ‘Shame on Kavya Maran’: Sunrisers owner faces backlash for signing Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred Auction

Complete list of sold players at The Hundred Men’s 2026 auction

Player	Team	Price
James Coles	London Spirit	£390K
Jordan Cox	Welsh Fire	£300K
Tom Curran	MI London	£260K
Adil Rashid	Southern Brave	£250K
Joe Root	Welsh Fire	£240K
Scott Currie	Birmingham Phoenix	£210K
Dan Lawrence	Sunrisers Leeds	£210K
Josh Tongue	Manchester Super Giants	£200K
Aiden Markram	Manchester Super Giants	£200K
Abrar Ahmed	Sunrisers Leeds	£190K
James Vince	MI London	£190K
Sam Billings	Trent Rockets	£180K
Zak Crawley	Sunrisers Leeds	£180K
Chris Jordan	Southern Brave	£160K
Finn Allen	Trent Rockets	£160K
Jonny Bairstow	London Spirit	£160K
Saqib Mahmood	Birmingham Phoenix	£150K
Ryan Rickelton	Sunrisers Leeds	£150K
Usman Tariq	Birmingham Phoenix	£140K
Tymal Mills	London Spirit	£130K
Nathan Sowter	MI London	£130K
David Payne	Trent Rockets	£130K
Luke Wood	Southern Brave	£130K
Craig Overton	Trent Rockets	£120K
Leus du Plooy	Manchester Super Giants	£120K
David Willey	London Spirit	£120K
David Miller	Southern Brave	£110K
Sherfane Rutherford	MI London	£100K
Tim Seifert	Manchester Super Giants	£100K
Trent Boult	MI London	£100K
Sonny Baker	Manchester Super Giants	£95K
Laurie Evans	Birmingham Phoenix	£85K
Joe Clarke	Birmingham Phoenix	£85K
Daniel Worrall	Southern Brave	£80K
Thomas Rew	Southern Brave	£80K
Tom Kohler-Cadmore	Welsh Fire	£80K
Matthew Short	Welsh Fire	£75K
Matt Henry	Trent Rockets	£75K
Lockie Ferguson	Welsh Fire	£75K
Matthew Potts	Sunrisers Leeds	£75K
Danny Briggs	Trent Rockets	£70K
Ethan Brookes	Birmingham Phoenix	£70K
Chris Wood	Birmingham Phoenix	£70K
Asa Tribe	Welsh Fire	£70K
Gus Atkinson	Manchester Super Giants	£70K
Richard Gleeson	MI London	£65K
Jordan Thompson	Birmingham Phoenix	£60K
Lewis Gregory	Trent Rockets	£55K
Will Smeed	Birmingham Phoenix	£55K
Olly Stone	MI London	£50K

Also READ: The Hundred Women 2026 Auction: Complete list of sold players with their price

As the anticipation for IPL 2026 reaches a fever pitch, former Indian pacer and seasoned commentator Lakshmipathy Balaji has weighed in on the ideal strategy for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Following a disappointing seventh-place finish in the 2025 season, the Lucknow franchise underwent a strategic overhaul during the auction and trade window, signalling a win-now mentality.

Balaji’s blueprint for the Super Giants focuses on a high-octane overseas top order and a refurbished bowling attack led by veteran Mohammad Shami. Interestingly, Balaji’s preferred XI sees no room for Avesh Khan, opting instead for a pace-heavy battery designed to exploit the bounce and zip often found in modern T20 tracks.

Lakshmipathy Balaji picks ideal playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants

A key takeaway from Balaji’s analysis is the reliance on a formidable overseas trio to set the tone. He envisions a top three comprising Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran. This aggressive setup is designed to maximize the powerplay overs, providing a platform for the middle order.

The centerpiece of this lineup, however, remains Rishabh Pant. Despite tactical shifts elsewhere, Balaji remains firm that Pant should occupy the No. 4 spot.

“Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, and Rishabh Pant, of course,” Balaji noted during a discussion on Star Sports.

He emphasized that the domestic core featuring Ayush Badoni, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Abdul Samad, must provide the necessary glue and finishing power to round out the top seven. The inclusion of Shahbaz and Samad offers LSG much-needed depth, allowing the team to pivot between steady accumulation and explosive hitting depending on the match situation.

Also READ: Irfan Pathan explains why MI vs RCB would be the biggest clash of IPL 2026

Balaji addresses LSG’s bowling fragility

The most significant upgrade for LSG heading into 2026 is the acquisition of Shami. Balaji highlighted Shami’s arrival as a game-changer, particularly for a squad that has been plagued by injury woes in its pace department. With Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan frequently sidelined in previous seasons, Shami provides both elite skill and a mentorship role for the younger quicks.

“Mohammad Shami adds a lot of value when it comes to leadership of the bowling unit, Injuries have been the concern with LSG… Shami has to do a lot of work when it comes to grooming the youngsters,” Balaji explained.

Balaji’s bowling structure leans toward a four-seamer attack, utilizing Anrich Nortje and a fit-again Mayank Yadav alongside Shami. Under this plan, Mohsin Khan would likely serve as the impact player, providing left-arm variety when needed. In the spin department, Balaji suggests sticking with Digvesh Rathi and Shahbaz, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Wanindu Hasaranga’s availability following his hamstring injury during the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Balaji’s Predicted LSG XI: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, Ayush Badoni, Shahbaz Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Digvesh Rathi, Mohammad Shami, Mayank Yadav, Anrich Nortje.

Also READ: Faf du Plessis picks a player who will be ‘under most pressure’ in IPL 2026

Following a clinical demolition of Pakistan in the series opener, Bangladesh enters the 2nd ODI on March 13 with the momentum of an 8-wicket victory and the chance to seal the series at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

The first ODI was a statement of intent from Mehidy Hasan Miraz‘s Bangladesh. The “Tigers” pace sensation Nahid Rana dismantled a new-look Pakistan batting lineup with a ferocious 5-wicket haul, while Tanzid Hasan’s aggressive 67* ensured the chase was a mere formality. Bangladesh looks balanced, confident, and perfectly attuned to their home conditions.

For Pakistan, this is a must-win game to keep the series alive. The decision to rest senior pillars like Babar Azam has left a significant void in the middle order, which struggled to cope with Rana’s pace and Miraz’s spin. Shaheen Afridi faces a massive leadership test; he needs his young top order—Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat—to provide a more substantial foundation if they are to challenge the hosts.

BAN vs PAK, 2nd ODI: Match Details

• Date and Time: March 13; 01:45 pm IST/ 08:15 am GMT/ 02:15 pm Local
• Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

BAN vs PAK, Head-to-Head Record

Matches Played: 40 | BAN won: 6 | PAK Won: 14 | No results: 0

Shere Bangla National Stadium Pitch Report

The Mirpur surface is legendary for being a slow burner and the second ODI is expected to follow that script. Traditionally spin-friendly. The pitch offers significant grip and turn as the match progresses. Pacers like Rana and Taskin Ahmed proved there is “zip” and bounce available with the new ball, making the first 10 overs critical for batters.

Squads

Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul ​Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, ⁠Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad ⁠Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, ‌Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Shamyl Hussain

Also READ: BAN vs PAK 2026: Broadcast and Live Streaming Details – When and where to watch in India, USA, Pakistan & other countries

BAN vs PAK, 2nd ODI: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Bangladesh wins the toss and bowl first
• Pakistan powerplay score: 40-50
• Pakistan total score: 250-260

Case 2:

• Pakistan wins the toss and bowl first
• Bangladesh powerplay score: 30-40
• Bangladesh total score: 230-240

Match result: Team bowling first will win the game.

Also READ: Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan Tamim shine as Bangladesh crush Pakistan in the first ODI

Bangladesh and Pakistan will face each other in the 2nd ODI match of the ongoing three-match ODI series in Dhaka. This article covers the BAN vs PAK Match preview, including the pitch report, weather forecast, head-to-head records, probable playing XIs, and live streaming details.

The Bangladesh National Cricket Team has already won the ODI series opener by 8 wickets, so this game will be a must-win for the Pakistan National Cricket Team to keep their winning chances alive.

BANG vs PAK 2nd ODI Preview:

Match Details:

Match Date: The second ODI will be played on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Venue: The match will take place at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka.

Time: The match is scheduled to start at 2:15 PM IST.

BAN vs PAK Squads:

Pakistan Squad: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram, Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood

Read Also: Ali Tareen accuses Mohsin Naqvi of silencing him with ‘legal undertaking’ over PSL criticism

Bangladesh Squad: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Tanvir Islam, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Soumya Sarkar

BAN vs PAK Probable XIs:

Pakistan Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (C), Mohammad Wasim/Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Bangladesh Playing XI: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman

BAN vs PAK 2nd ODI Key Battles:

Mohammad Rizwan vs Nahid Rana

The Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana produced a brilliant spell in the first ODI, taking 5 wickets for just 24 runs while bowling at speeds above 145 kph and troubling the Pakistan batters with his raw pace.

During that spell, Rana dismissed Mohammad Rizwan for just 10 runs after forcing an edge that was caught behind. Now Rizwan, the most experienced batter in the lineup, will need to find a way to handle Rana’s speed and help Pakistan level the ODI series.

Shaheen Afridi vs Tanzid Hasan

Tanzid Hasan was the hero during Bangladesh’s dominant win over Pakistan in the first ODI. The young opener hit a stunning knock of 67* runs from just 42 balls, hitting 7 fours and 5 big sixes. His fearless batting put Pakistan under huge pressure and helped Bangladesh win the match.

Shaheen Afridi could not stop Tanzid’s attacking shots. As Pakistan’s captain and main strike bowler, the left-arm pacer now needs to bring back his dangerous early swing in the powerplay to break Tanzid’s rhythm in the second ODI on Friday.

Salman Ali Agha vs Mehidy Hasan Miraz

The second ODI will also see an interesting battle between two all-rounders. Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a key role in the first ODI with the ball. The Bangladesh skipper bowled a tight spell and took 3 wickets for 29 runs in his 10 overs.

Read Also: BCCI bans video analyst for making ‘corrupt approach’ after T20 World Cup 2026

During that spell, Miraz also removed Salman Ali Agha for just 5 runs. Salman is usually one of Pakistan’s most dependable middle-order batters, so he will aim to attack the spinners in the middle overs and prevent another batting collapse in Dhaka.

Sahibzada Farhan vs Taskin Ahmed

Taskin Ahmed has a strong record against Sahibzada Farhan. In the first ODI, Farhan faltered against Bangladesh’s pace attack and managed to score 27 runs. Taskin bowled a disciplined spell, taking 1 wicket for 29 runs in 7 overs. Their battle will influence the result of the match.

BAN vs PAK 2nd ODI Key Players:

Pakistan – Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Shahid Afridi

Bangladesh – Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman

Free Live Streaming in India, Live Telecast

TV Rights in India: The BAN vs PAK match will not be live on TV, as there are no broadcasting rights acquired.

Live Streaming Platform in India: Fans can watch the match on mobile and laptops through OTTs via the Fancode app and website. Free live streaming will be available for users watching on mobile devices.

When will the match take place?

The 1st ODI fixture is set to be played on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Where will the match be played?

The BAN vs PAK will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka.

How to live stream the match between BAN and PAK on mobile online?

The matches of the series will be live-streamed on the Fancode app or website.

BAN vs PAK, 2nd ODI Weather Report, Pitch Report of Sher-e-Bangla Stadium

BAN vs PAK: Weather Report in Dhaka

Weather in Dhaka on March 13 could affect the second ODI match between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Forecasts show around a 55% to 67% chance of rain in the afternoon.

The morning is expected to be partly cloudy, but the chances of rain may increase close to the 2:15 PM local match start time. If showers arrive, there could be delays or interruptions during the game.

BAN vs PAK Pitch Report of Dhaka:

The pitch at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium assisted the fast bowlers a lot in the first ODI. The surface had good bounce and movement, which made it difficult for batters to score.

If the pitch behaves the same way on Friday, Pakistan’s pacers would make Bangladesh batters’ lives tough. A strong performance from their fast attack may help Pakistan to level the series.

BAN vs PAK Head-to-Head Records: Key Statistics

Pakistan has dominated the ODI head-to-head record against Bangladesh. The Men in Green have won 34 of 40 matches, while Bangladesh has won only six ODIs so far.

BAN vs PAK Head-to-Head Records: Last Five Matches

In the last five matches, Pakistan have dominated the Bangla Tigers. They have won three out of the last five games. On the other hand, Bangladesh has won two games.

BAN vs PAK Head-to-Head Records- Result of the last five games:

• Bangladesh won by 37 runs in Abu Dhabi on March 26, 2018
• Pakistan won by 94 runs in Lord’s on July 5, 2019
• Pakistan won by 7 wickets in Lahore on September 6, 2024
• Pakistan won by 7 wickets in Kolkata on October 31, 2023
• Bangladesh won by 8 wickets in Dhaka on March 11, 2026

BAN vs PAK- Conclusion:

The second ODI between Pakistan and Bangladesh is set to be a high-pressure clash, with Shahid Afridi and his team facing a do-or-die situation in the series. After losing the first ODI match, Pakistan now has no choice but to beat the Tigers.

Another defeat will hand the series to Bangladesh, making this game extremely important for the touring side. On the other hand, Bangladesh will enter the match full of confidence and eager to finish the series with a strong performance after missing the T20 World Cup 2026.

With both teams carrying big expectations, the contest is expected to be intense in Dhaka.

Former India cricketer Saba Karim chose former India captain Rohit Sharma as the best batsman in Twenty20 cricket. In a blindfold test with ESPNcricinfo, the ex-cricketer had to go through the tough challenge, which he faced with ease.

For the challenge, there were a total of 6 batters, all of whom were monsters in their days in T20 cricket. From the Caribbean islands, there were Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, England’s Jos Buttler, Australia’s David Warner, and Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, all of whom were part of the blindfold test.

Former India keeper-batter Saba Karim faced a blindfold test

According to the rule of the blindfold test, one by one, the nominee’s name will be popped, without revealing all of the names. The participant, who is facing the challenge, will have to rank the players based on the credibility of the player and assumptions. Because the person who is in front of the camera has no idea which player’s name is going to pop up next.

The challenge Saba Karim faced started with the West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle, followed by his compatriot Kieron Pollard. Karim placed Gayle in the 4th spot and ranked Pollard in the sixth position. David Warner and Jos Buttler are in fifth and fourth place, respectively.

For the first two places, it was Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma

There were only two spots left after placing Gayle, Pollard, Warner, and Buttler. For the first and second place, the competition was between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Saba Karim kept Kohli in the second place and Sharma at the top of the rankings. According to the former Indian keeper-batter, Rohit Sharma is the best batter in the format. And he is happy with the rankings he made through the blindfold test.

Karim described why he was happy with Rohit Sharma at the top of the list over Virat Kohli. Notably, among all the mentioned names, Jos Buttler, England keeper-batter, who played in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026, was the only cricketer who is still active in the format.

Saba Karim explained why he chose Sharma for the top spot

Saba Karim, who played 1 Test and 34 ODIs for India, said that he is happy with his picks as he ranked those who bettered according to consistency, performance, and the impact they made.

“Based on consistency and performances in a franchisee league as well as T20 internationals. It’s not about numbers, it’s about the impact”, the former cricketer explained.

Who do you think is the best T20 batter of all time? 👀 pic.twitter.com/v1yef4Yvsf

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 12, 2026

Rohit Sharma was the first captain after MS Dhoni to lead India to a T20 World Cup trophy. The right-handed batter retired from the T20 Internationals right after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup title.

Rohit Sharma’s T20I record

Before taking retirement, ‘Hitman’ scored 4,231 runs in 159 T20Is. He smashed five centuries and 32 half-centuries in this particular format, while his batting average reads 32.50 with a strike rate of 140.89.

Read More: India’s insane 2026 cricket calendar revealed! New series vs Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Ireland lined up

BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has issued a fresh bunch of guidelines ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The main purpose of the board’s guidelines is to protect the main pitch as much as possible before the main match. To keep the tracks in pristine conditions, the Indian cricket governing body has issued some advisories for every participating team in the league.

In a five-page communique, the board has issued guidelines for the practice sessions as well. In the official announcement, it is clearly mentioned that teams will have to arrange separate nets for their training if one team comes for practice after another.

The same nets will not be allowed for back-to-back practice sessions of different teams

“Fresh nets should be provided to each team for their allocated practice session. In any event of simultaneous practice sessions or when one team practises after the other, the first team shall not be permitted to use the other team’s nets (including for throw downs). If one team finishes practice early, the other team is not permitted to use their range-hitting wicket”, the part of the guidelines reads.

To keep the players prepared for an upcoming match, teams often arrange practice matches. Now, the franchises will have to arrange practice matches according to the BCCI’s latest notification.

Practice matches will not be allowed inside the main square of the ground: BCCI guidelines

The board has mentioned that teams are allowed to arrange practice matches only on one of the side wickets of the main square, after taking permission from the authority. A team will be allowed to arrange up to two practice matches. And, if any team wants to play their practice games under the lights, then they will have to complete it within three and a half hours.

“To prepare the pitch for the season, no practice sessions or practice matches may be played on the main square in the four days leading up to the relevant franchise’s first home match of the season”, the BCCI notice mentioned.

“During this period, if requested by the home franchise, the State Association should make an alternative practice ground available to the franchise at no cost to the franchise”, it also added.

The home team will have an advantage over the away team before a match

The board also mentioned that the home will have some advantages over the visiting teams. Though, the visiting sides’ requests will be taken seriously.

“Though the home team should get the first choice of a preferred session, the away team’s request will be taken into account, particularly if it has played a match on the previous day, and taking into consideration the travel arrangements of the away team”, BCCI states.

“If the home and away teams wish to practice at the same time, BCCI will ask the two team managers to try and resolve the double booking – either by one of the teams taking another session or by the two teams sharing the session”, according to the guidelines.

Read More: Not Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle! Ex-India wicket-keeper picks Rohit Sharma as best T20 batter of all time

The Hundred 2026 auction has finally concluded. It has been an exciting auction for the franchises. On Thursday, March 12, 2026, the Hundred (men’s competition) held its first-ever player auction at Piccadilly Lights in central London. The cricket league, which began in 2021, employed a draft system to assign players to franchises for the first five editions.

There have been new investors in the league, with some of the owners from the Indian Premier League (IPL) owning some stakes at the Hundred auction. The impact is immediate, with three teams changing their previous names to IPL-style names.

The Hundred gets new owners

Oval Invincibles are now known as MI London, Manchester Originals have become Manchester Super Giants, and Northern Superchargers are now Sunrisers Leeds. Only the Southern Braves have not changed their names, as it is owned by the GMR Group, which also owns the Delhi Capitals in the IPL.

Once they acquired the stakes, there were reports of a ban on Pakistan players from the auction. However, it did not happen; there were atotal of 63 to 67 Pakistan players (including both men and women) registered for the 2026 The Hundred draft/auction. However, only a select group of 14 Pakistani players were shortlisted for the final bidding process in the men’s auction.

Few Pakistan players were shortlisted

There was only one Pakistan player who withdrew from the auction was Pakistan ODI team captain Shaheen Shah Afridi. However, the other players who were registered were Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir, Imad Wasim, Akif Javed, and Salman Mirza.

Among them, only two players were being sold in the auction. Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed are the two players to be sold at the auction. Tariq was the first player to be picked in the auction. He was picked by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000 during the auction.

Sunrisers Leeds shocks everyone after picking Abrar Ahmed

Abrar Ahmed was the second player to be picked in the auction by Sunrisers Leeds, for a price of £190,000, as it gained much attention, with the Sunrisers Leeds being a part of the SUN TV company, which also owns the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.

Except for the two players, Haris Rauf went unsold at the auction. Apart from them, no other players from Pakistan were even selected in the later part of the auction. James Coles became the highest-paid player at The Hundred. He was sold to the London Spirit for the upcoming season of The Hundred at a price tag of £390K.

List of Pakistan players who were sold and unsold at the Hundred Auction 2026

Also Read: Fans tolls Kavya Maran after Sunrisers Leeds sign Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed in the Hundred auction

The Men’s players’ auction of The Hundred has concluded, creating a lot of buzz across social media platforms. Since the inception of the league back in 2021, it was the first auction ever to be held. On Thursday, March 12, 2026, the Hundred (men’s competition) held its first-ever player auction at Piccadilly Lights in central London.

The upcoming season is going to be more exciting, not only because of the players’ auction, but also for the arrival of the new owners. There have been new owners in the Hundred, with IPL-owned franchises buying stakes at the Hundred.

James Coles becomes the highest-paid player in the Hundred

Among all the star players in the auction, James Coles, a 21-year-old English all-rounder, got the most hefty pay cheque in the evening. The Sussex talent sold for £390k to the London Spirit. The budding talent is currently an uncapped cricketer who is poised to make massive leaps in the near future. The left-arm spin bowler, who can hit the ball hard, recently won the SA20 tournament in South Africa.

“I’m delighted. I love the fact it has fallen to someone who has a pedigree in first-class cricket and has built on that,” Former England star Eoin Morgan told to Sky Sports on the development.

Sunrisers Leeds picks Abrar Ahmed

Some of the highly renowned franchise owners in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have made themselves a part of English franchise cricket. Kavya Maran, the co-owner of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), was among the central figures during the auction at the Piccadilly Lights in Central London.

After a lot of controversy over the last few weeks, the players’ auction for the Hundred league concluded in style. Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed captured the headlines instantly as SRH backed Sunrisers Leeds secured the service of the bowler.

List of Players Sold and Unsold at the Hundred

Sold Players at the Hundred

Unsold Players at the Hundred

Full Squads of The Hundred

Birmingham Phoenix: Saqib Mahmood, Usman Tariq, Joe Clarke, Will Smeed, Mustafizur Rahman, Laurie Evans, Chris Wood, Ethan Brookes, Scott Currie, Jordan Thompson, Rehan Ahmed, Jacob Bethell, Donovan Ferreira, Mitchell Owen.

London Spirit: Jonny Bairstow, David Willey, James Coles, Mason Crane, Tymal Mills, Adam Milne, Matthew Fisher, Adam Hose, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, James Rew, Dewald Brevis, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Adam Zampa.

Manchester Super Giants: Aiden Markram, Tim Seifert, Joshua Tongue, Sonny Baker, Gus Atkinson, Leus du Plooy, Tom Hartley, Thomas Moores, Tawanda Muyeye, Max Holden, George Scrimshaw, Paul Walter, Noor Ahmad, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Heinrich Klaasen.

MI London: James Vince, Tom Curran, Trent Boult, Olly Stone, Nathan Sowter, Sherfane Rutherford, Richard Gleeson, Callum Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Jason Roy, Ollie Sykes, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Rashid Khan, Nicholas Pooran.

Southern Brave: Adil Rashid, David Miller, Luke Wood, Tom Abell, Chris Jordan, Daniel Worrall, Nikhil Chaudhary, Caleb Falconer, Ben McKinney, Michael Pepper, Thomas Rew, Jofra Archer, Jamie Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Tristan Stubbs.

Sunrisers Leeds: Ryan Rickelton, Zak Crawley, Matthew Potts, Daniel Lawrence, Abrar Ahmed, Benjamin Howell, Tom Alsop, Edward Barnard, Tom Lawes, Liam Patterson-White, Reece Topley, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Nathan Ellis, Mitchell Marsh.

Trent Rockets: Finn Allen, David Payne, Lewis Gregory, Matt Henry, Daniel Mousley, Sam Billings, Danny Briggs, Bradley Currie, Aneurin Donald, Louis Kimber, Ben Mayes, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue, Sam Hain, Ben Duckett, Mitchell Santner.

Welsh Fire: Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Jafer Chohan, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Lockie Ferguson, Matthew Short, Tom Aspinwall, Sam Cook, Ben Kellaway, Asa Tribe, Marco Jansen, Rachin Ravindra, Phil Salt, Chris Woakes.

Read More: Pakistan players overlooked? Only two Pakistan players finds spot as Indian-owned franchises shape the Hundred auction

As the dust settles from India‘s spectacular 2026 T20 World Cup triumph, the cricketing world is already shifting its gaze toward the next grand carnival: IPL 2026. Set to kick off on March 28, this season carries a unique weight. For the first time in history, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will walk onto the field not as perennial hopefuls, but as the defending champions.

While the season opener features RCB against SRH, former Indian all-rounder and veteran commentator Irfan Pathan has singled out one specific fixture as the undisputed heavyweight clash of the tournament. According to Pathan, the April 12 face-off between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium is the game that will define the league’s pulse.

Why Irfan Pathan crowns MI vs RCB as the ultimate blockbuster of IPL 2026?

For Pathan, this isn’t just a match; it’s a logistical and emotional phenomenon. Speaking on the frenzy that surrounds this rivalry in a Star Sports show, he noted, “Ismein koi do-raye nahi hai, yeh housefull hone wala hai. Humein koi ticket zyada extra us muqable mein milti nahi hai, bada mushkil ho jata hai.” (There are no two ways about it, this is going to be houseful. We don’t even get extra tickets for that match; it becomes very difficult.)

Beyond the ticket scramble, Pathan emphasizes that the superstar quotient of this game is unparalleled. While the IPL is a galaxy of stars, the MI-RCB rivalry brings a specific quality of cricket that Pathan believes is the gold standard. He pointed out that Rohit Sharma has found a second wind in his form over the last two years, looking sharper than ever. On the other side, the world is waiting to see a refreshed Virat Kohli return to his hunt for runs after a brief post-World Cup hiatus. The clash of these two icons, potentially in the twilight of their IPL careers, elevates the game to a spiritual level for Indian fans.

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Defending champions vs The quest for lost supremacy

The 2026 season presents a fascinating role reversal. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, who took them to their maiden title in 2025, are no longer the hunters but the hunted. Despite some recent struggles in domestic cricket, Pathan believes Patidar will find his stride as a captain-leader. RCB’s squad depth, featuring the explosive Jacob Bethell and the clinical finishing of Jitesh Sharma (who recently made a strong case for himself before his brief national team exit), makes them a formidable unit to displace.

Conversely, the Mumbai Indians are desperate to reclaim their “big brother” status. After a few seasons of transition and leadership shifts under Hardik Pandya, MI is eyeing 2026 as the year to regain their supremacy. Pathan highlighted that the bowling battle will be equally enticing, noting that the veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing will be a massive daromadar (responsibility) for RCB against MI’s powerhouse batting.

Ultimately, whether it’s the six-hitting potential, the electric Wankhede atmosphere, or the sheer density of world-class talent, Pathan’s verdict is clear if you can only watch one game this season, make it this one.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: ICC reacts to bias claims as England depart smoothly while West Indies and South Africa remain stranded in India

Following India’s historic title defense at the T20 World Cup 2026, star spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundar have traded their cricket spikes for walking shoes. On Wednesday, the Tamil Nadu duo was spotted at the sacred town of Tiruvannamalai, fulfilling a deeply personal spiritual vow (prarthana) by completing the 14 km Girivalam around the holy Arunachala Hill.

The Men in Blue, under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, recently secured a thumping 96-run victory over New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While the nation erupted in celebration, Chakravarthy and Sundar headed south to offer gratitude for the triumph. The Girivalam is a centuries-old tradition where devotees walk clockwise around the hill, which is considered a manifestation of Lord Shiva.

Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundar undertake 14 km Girivalam pilgrimage after T20 World Cup win

For the two cricketers, this wasn’t just a casual visit but the fulfillment of a promise made before the tournament began. In videos circulating on social media, the athletes were seen blending in with thousands of pilgrims, dressed in simple attire as they navigated the 14 km perimeter of the hill.

The Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the largest and most significant Shiva temples in India, serves as the spiritual epicenter of this journey. Performing the Girivalam, especially after a career-defining achievement like a World Cup win, is a practice rooted in the Bhakti tradition of Tamil Nadu. Fans and locals who recognized the stars were moved by their humility, noting that despite the glitz of international cricket, the players remained connected to their cultural roots.

After completing the trek in the evening, the duo entered the inner sanctum of the temple to seek the blessings of the deity. The timing of their visit is significant, as India’s victory on March 8 has cemented a new era of dominance in the shortest format of the game, and for Chakravarthy, it marked a personal redemption on the world stage.

Here’s the video:

Indian team cricketers Varun Chakravarthy & Washington Sunder fulfilled their vow of doing Girivalam in Thiruvannamalai

Girivalam is a sacred 14-kilometre circumambulation (walking around) of the Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.The hill itself is considered a… pic.twitter.com/rtEFP9Mnnr

— Sheetal Chopra 🇮🇳 (@SheetalPronamo) March 12, 2026

Also READ: Irfan Pathan explains why MI vs RCB would be the biggest clash of IPL 2026

From World Cup glory to IPL 2026: What lies ahead for the spin duo?

Chakravarthy’s performance in the 2026 edition was nothing short of sensational. Finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps, his mystery spin proved to be the undoing of many top-tier batting lineups. Although his wicket-taking slowed down during the high-pressure Super 8s, his foundational work in the group stages was instrumental in India’s unbeaten run.

Sundar, while playing a more supporting role in this specific campaign with appearances against the Netherlands and South Africa, remains a vital cog in India’s white-ball setup due to his all-round capabilities.

As the celebrations wind down, the focus shifts immediately to the domestic circuit. Both players are set to join their respective franchises for IPL 2026. Chakravarthy returns to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he remains a cornerstone of their bowling attack after being retained for INR 12 crore. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar will head to the Gujarat Titans (GT) camp, looking to justify his INR 3.2 crore retention with a standout season. Carrying the Prasadam and the momentum of a World Cup win, the duo looks ready to dominate the upcoming T20 summer.

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