The Hundred 2025: Wildcard Draft Sees Anderson Debut and Gohar Join Invincibles

Oval Invincibles have reinforced their bowling options by securing Pakistani spinner Zafar Gohar in the wildcard draft for The Hundred 2025.

In a significant move, veteran English pacer James Anderson is set to make his debut in The Hundred this summer, having been signed by Manchester Originals.

James Anderson Joins Manchester Originals

The 42-year-old Anderson, who recently returned to T20 cricket after more than a decade, has impressed with 14 wickets in eight matches for Lancashire in the Vitality Blast. Despite going initially undrafted in March, Anderson clinched a £31,000 wildcard contract.

Rocky Flintoff Drafted by Northern Superchargers

Adding to the intrigue, 17-year-old Rocky Flintoff has been picked by the Northern Superchargers. The team is coached by his father, former England captain Andrew Flintoff, even though Rocky lacks professional T20 experience. His impressive performances, including centuries for England Lions in Australia and England U-19s against India, have swayed the selectors.

Overseas and Domestic Talent Secured

Southern Brave made headlines by becoming the first team to sign an overseas wildcard, acquiring Australian Hilton Cartwright. They previously brought in Jason Roy to replace Faf du Plessis and added Hampshire’s Toby Albert, potentially as a wicket-keeper due to injury concerns surrounding Finn Allen and Laurie Evans.

Welsh Fire has strengthened their lineup with Glamorgan all-rounder and ambidextrous spinner Ben Kellaway, following his successful county season.

Trent Rockets have recruited Ben Sanderson, capitalizing on his impressive T20 campaign for Northamptonshire. They also secured Callum Parkinson and Dillon Pennington, with Pennington stepping in for the injured John Turner.

Despite strong T20 Blast showings, Yorkshire’s James Wharton and Will Luxton were not selected.

Women’s Wildcard Draft Highlights

In the women’s wildcard draft, Manchester Originals signed Esmae MacGregor after her impressive 21-wicket performance in the Blast for Essex. Birmingham Phoenix added Mary Taylor, reuniting her with her twin sister Millie.

Tournament Start Date

The Hundred 2025 is scheduled to commence on August 5, featuring a double-header between London Spirit and Oval Invincibles at Lord’s.

Zafar Gohar’s Credentials

The Invincibles’ wildcard choice, the 30-year-old Pakistani spinner, has consistently performed well in the ongoing Vitality Blast 2025. Representing Gloucestershire, he has taken 11 wickets in 12 matches with an economy rate of 9.00.

Gohar has participated in 82 T20 matches, securing 85 wickets at an economy rate of 7.88. He has represented Pakistan in one Test and one ODI, remaining wicketless in the Test but claiming two wickets in the ODI. In 93 first-class matches, the spinner has taken 327 wickets at an economy rate of 3.10, including 21 five-wicket hauls.

Men’s Hundred wildcards (all £31,000):
Women’s Hundred wildcards (all £10,000):