The Hundred 2026 Kickoff: MI London Takes On Sunrisers Leeds

The Hundred returns for its sixth edition on Tuesday, kicking off at the Kia Oval with MI London facing Sunrisers Leeds. The opening clash sets the tone for a tournament that continues to expand its global footprint. Meanwhile, Indian interest is once again split, with women’s stars featured and men’s players absent due to the BCCI’s current stance.

Indian Women Lead The Hundred 2026

Four Indian women will join the competition after a London auction in March, reinforcing the league’s reputation as a top destination for talent. Smriti Mandhana moves to Manchester Super Giants through a direct signing, while Jemimah Rodrigues remains with Southern Brave. Deepti Sharma lands with Sunrisers Leeds for £27,500, and Richa Ghosh also signs with Manchester Super Giants via the auction.

Mandhana arrives on the back of a dominant run, having guided RCB Women to a second Women’s Premier League title. Deepti brings impressive credentials from her two seasons with London Spirit, where she amassed 289 runs at a strike rate of 126.75 and claimed 18 wickets. The women’s Hundred is now widely regarded as the most‑watched domestic league in the women’s game, and the Indian contingent underscores that status.

Why No Indian Men Appear?

The BCCI’s policy of withholding no‑objection certificates for active men’s internationals keeps the country out of The Hundred. The board cites protecting the IPL’s commercial dominance and managing player workloads as core reasons. As a result, stars such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah have never played in the tournament, and are unlikely to appear while the rule remains.

Occasional talk of a potential relaxation surfaces, with Hardik Pandya’s name mentioned from time to time, but no concrete changes have materialised. The contrast with the women’s game is clear: BCCI approved participation in 2022, recognising the value of exposure to overseas conditions. That decision has paid off, with Indian women now among the most sought‑after signings worldwide.

Key Stats to Watch

Deepti’s £27,500 transfer fee highlights her growing market value, building on a record of 289 runs and 18 wickets in previous seasons. Mandhana’s recent WPL title adds further prestige to her signing. The women’s league’s viewership ranking continues to lead domestic competitions, making this edition especially compelling for fans across the globe.