Sophie Devine & Beth Mooney Smash Records as Women’s Hundred Auction Launches with High Drama

The inaugural Women’s Hundred auction in London delivered everything cricket fans hoped for — marquee international stars, surprise bargains, and a few shocking omissions. As franchises assembled their squads for the first edition of the tournament, New Zealand’s Sophie Devine and Australia’s Beth Mooney emerged as the biggest winners of the day, commanding the joint-highest bids of £210,000.

While several global stars secured lucrative contracts, the auction also produced unexpected storylines. Dani Gibson, despite not representing England for over a year and a half, secured a massive £190,000 deal with Sunrisers Leeds. Meanwhile, some established international names surprisingly went unsold, highlighting the tactical decisions teams made while managing the strict overseas player limit.

Top Picks of the Auction

Devine’s signing by Welsh Fire comes shortly after her outstanding performance in the Women’s Premier League where she was named Player of the Tournament. Beth Mooney, one of the most consistent wicketkeeper-batters in world cricket, was snapped up by Trent Rockets as they looked to secure stability at the top of the order.

South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk was the fourth most expensive player of the auction, joining London Spirit where she will reunite with her WPL teammate Grace Harris.

Auction Opens with Young Talent

The historic auction began with a moment that symbolized the future of the tournament. Nineteen-year-old Davina Perrin became the first player sold, joining Birmingham Phoenix for £50,000.

London Spirit quickly secured their wicketkeeping option by signing England international Amy Jones for £70,000. Meanwhile, Indian stars Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma were both signed at their base price, a surprising outcome given their international pedigree.

The auction also produced notable omissions. Pakistan players went unsold, while several South African stars — including Chloe Tryon, Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus and Shabnim Ismail — did not find buyers due largely to the restriction of four overseas players per squad.

Most Expensive Uncapped English Player

One of the most intriguing battles of the auction involved uncapped all-rounder Tilly Corteen-Coleman. Southern Brave secured her services for £105,000 after winning a competitive bidding war with London Spirit.

Her signing highlights the tournament’s focus on developing emerging English talent alongside established international stars.

Complete Team Squads

What the Auction Means for the Tournament

The inaugural Women’s Hundred auction has set the stage for an exciting competition. With global superstars like Sophie Devine, Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning and Smriti Mandhana participating alongside emerging English talents, the tournament promises a compelling blend of experience and youth.

More importantly, the auction highlights how women’s cricket continues to grow commercially. The substantial bids for international players underline the increasing investment and global attention the women’s game is receiving.

As squads finalize their preparations, fans can now look forward to the first edition of the Women’s Hundred — a tournament that could redefine the future of franchise cricket in the women’s game.