The Hundred 2026 Auction: Mustafizur Rahman and Pakistan Duo Secure Major Contracts
The Hundred 2026 auction concluded on Thursday with several high-profile moves, highlighted by the acquisition of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman and two Pakistan internationals. Birmingham Phoenix secured Mustafizur for £100,000, signaling his return to franchise cricket in England.
Mustafizur Rahman Returns to Franchise Cricket
Mustafizur’s signing by Birmingham Phoenix marks his latest overseas assignment following his 2024 Indian Premier League stint with the Chennai Super Kings. His IPL campaign was cut short when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) restricted his No Objection Certificate (NOC), recalling him for national duty ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The 2026 contract guarantees his participation in the 100-ball format, adding elite death-bowling experience to the Phoenix roster.
Abrar Ahmed Makes History with Sunrisers Leeds
The auction also featured significant interest in Pakistan’s mystery spinners. Abrar Ahmed commanded £190,000 from Sunrisers Leeds following a prolonged bidding battle with Trent Rockets. This transaction carries notable weight in franchise cricket, as Sunrisers Leeds operates under the Chennai-based Sun Group. This makes Abrar the first Pakistan international to sign with an Indian-owned franchise in the tournament.
Birmingham Phoenix added further depth to their spin department by purchasing Pakistan’s Usman Tariq for £140,000. Unlike Sunrisers Leeds, the Phoenix franchise operates independently of Indian ownership structures.
Unsold Players and Notable Absences
Despite the success of Abrar and Tariq, several prominent Pakistan players did not attract bids. Fast bowler Haris Rauf, all-rounder Saim Ayub, and leg-spinner Shadab Khan went unsold during the session. Additionally, premium left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi formally withdrew his name prior to the auction proceedings.
Record Bids and Tournament Details
Sussex all-rounder James Coles generated the highest bid of the auction. London Spirit secured his services for £390,000, outbidding multiple rival franchises.
Top 2026 Auction Contracts
| Player | Franchise | Contract Value (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| James Coles | London Spirit | £390,000 |
| Abrar Ahmed | Sunrisers Leeds | £190,000 |
| Usman Tariq | Birmingham Phoenix | £140,000 |
| Mustafizur Rahman | Birmingham Phoenix | £100,000 |
Key Tournament Facts
- Event Dates: The competition will run from July 21 to August 16, 2026.
- Highest Earner: James Coles secured the maximum bid at £390,000.
- Cross-Border Milestone: Abrar Ahmed’s move to Sunrisers Leeds marks the first Pakistan player signing for an Indian-owned franchise in the competition.
- Authority and Regulations: Official player movements are governed by the England and Wales Cricket Board and tracked via The Hundred official platform. Detailed statistics can be verified on ESPNcricinfo.