Welsh Fire have confirmed the high-profile signing of Australian star Steve Smith for the 2025 edition of The Hundred.
Known for his world-class batting and vast experience, Smith’s arrival is set to bolster Fire’s chances in the newly revamped tournament.
His ability to control the game and perform under pressure makes him a key addition as Welsh Fire aim for a strong title challenge this season.
Known for his world-class batting and vast experience, Smith’s arrival is set to bolster Fire’s chances in the newly revamped tournament.
His ability to control the game and perform under pressure makes him a key addition as Welsh Fire aim for a strong title challenge this season.
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00:00Welsh Fire have secured a major signing ahead of the 2025 season of the 100, adding former
00:08Australian captain Steve Smith to their squad.
00:11Smith had originally been set to play in the tournament's inaugural season before Covid-19
00:16delayed his participation.
00:19Now he finally joins the Cardiff-based franchise, bringing world-class experience and leadership
00:24to their line-up.
00:26I've watched the competition on From Afar and I can't wait to be involved.
00:31It looks like a lot of fun and the cricket is world-class, with talent in every team.
00:37Smith's signing is a statement of intent from Welsh Fire, who were looking to improve their
00:42fortunes after mixed performances in the previous editions.
00:47His addition comes as the 100 attracts some of the biggest names in world cricket, thanks
00:52to a 60 per cent increase in top salaries and the growing influence of private investment
00:57throughout the league.
00:59The first thing I would say is that the 100 is aimed at a new crowd.
01:05It's aimed at family-friendly environments, giving the opportunities for boys and girls
01:12to enjoy their cricket.
01:14The programme that we're running, the Dynamos Cricket Intros, is for 8 to 11-year-old boys
01:19and girls in traditional and non-traditional cricket areas.
01:24What the 100 does is brings everything to life.
01:27Smith joins Welsh Fire on a £200,000 deal, putting him in the tournament's top salary
01:33bracket, while Khan has signed for Oval Invincibles on a £120,000 contract.
01:41The rise in player salaries has helped the 100 compete with rival leagues, particularly
01:46Major League Cricket in the US, which previously lured several Australian stars away.
01:52With the MLC now scheduled before the 100, player availability has improved, allowing
01:57more marquee signings to commit.
02:00With Smith leading the charge, Welsh Fire fans will be hoping for a strong campaign
02:05when the tournament kicks off on 5 August, as they look to challenge for the title against
02:10an increasingly competitive field.