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Kane Williamson signs three-year contract with Birmingham Stars

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 13:28 GMT by Toronto Star

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The Hundred’s Final Two Deals: A Look at the League’s Last‑Minute Signings

The 2023 season of The Hundred – England’s 100‑ball franchise cricket competition that was launched in 2019 – has been a roller‑coaster of on‑field excitement and off‑field drama. As the season wrapped up, the off‑season has been equally thrilling, with the league’s owners and managers finalising a string of high‑profile signings. The most talked‑about moves come from two separate franchises, each bringing a very different player to their squad for the 2024 campaign. In this article we’ll unpack those deals, their background, what they mean for the clubs involved, and the broader implications for the competition.

1. Kane Williamson – Birmingham Stars’ Three‑Year Anchor

When New Zealand’s former captain Kane Williamson announced his retirement from international cricket in early 2023, the cricketing world was left to speculate how his new focus would shape the global T20 landscape. The answer, for the Birmingham Stars, came in the form of a three‑year contract worth approximately $500,000, signed on the 20th of November in a modest, privately held event at the Stars’ home ground.

Why the Stars?
The Birmingham Stars had been looking for an experienced all‑rounder who could provide both solidity in the middle order and a seasoned hand in the death overs. Williamson’s résumé – five Test centuries, a record‑breaking 200 T20I wickets, and a reputation as a calm, tactical thinker – made him an obvious fit. Moreover, his recent stint with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, where he scored 1,200 runs in 27 matches, showed he could thrive in a packed franchise calendar.

Contract Details
The contract is a standard three‑year deal with a cap of $500,000 per season, which, after the Stars’ standard 20% VAT deduction, works out to about £200,000. Williamson’s role is not just as a player but also as a mentor to the Stars’ younger bowlers. In a press release, the Stars’ owner, Sir John Hargreaves, said, “Kane brings a level of professionalism and calm that can help us build a strong culture. He’s also a world‑class cricketer, and that’s a huge advantage for us.”

Impact on the Team
Analysts note that Williamson’s presence could be pivotal in two ways: first, his batting in the 40‑50 run range will give the Stars stability in the middle overs; second, his ability to bowl a quiet spell at the death will help the Stars’ batting side secure a respectable total. In the 2023 season, the Stars lost two of their top three matches at 180–200 runs, largely because of lack of depth in the batting middle order. Williamson’s arrival is expected to address that gap.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad – Manchester Originals’ Future‑Star

The second deal, while a step away from the “big‑name” drama of Williamson’s signing, has its own excitement. Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, the 2019 champion of the Ranji Trophy and a stalwart of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League, has signed a two‑year contract with the Manchester Originals for a combined total of $350,000.

Why Manchester?
Manchester had just finished a mid‑table finish in the 2023 season and wanted to inject youthful energy into a squad that had suffered a dip in batting performance. Gaikwad’s record as the most prolific run‑scorer for CSK – over 1,000 runs in 14 matches – made him a perfect fit for Manchester’s top‑order requirement. His experience in high‑pressure IPL matches, combined with a natural left‑handed bat, adds variety that Manchester has lacked.

Contract Details
Unlike Williamson’s multi‑year deal, Gaikwad’s two‑year contract is straightforward, with a per‑season cap of $175,000. He will also have an option to extend for a third year if he meets certain performance metrics. The contract was sealed on the 15th of December at the Manchester Community Centre, with a press conference that featured a live Q&A between Gaikwad and the team’s head coach, Matt Waller.

Impact on the Team
The Originals’ top order struggled to post 150 runs in a quarter of their matches in 2023. Analysts believe that Gaikwad’s presence could dramatically improve that statistic, given his track record of high scores in the early innings. Waller remarked, “We’re excited to have Ruturaj on board. He brings a level of maturity that can help us in the first 30 overs and a lot of good runs to start the innings.” Moreover, his experience working with CSK’s senior team will likely help the young Manchester bowlers adapt to the fast‑paced style of The Hundred.

3. Bigger Picture: International vs Domestic Balancing Act

While the two deals are the headline stories, they also highlight The Hundred’s ongoing strategy to blend international superstars with rising domestic talent. Williamson’s addition signals the league’s willingness to pay premium fees for a seasoned international, while Gaikwad’s contract demonstrates the league’s focus on investing in young talent that can grow with the franchise.

The contracts also underscore The Hundred’s ambition to become a year‑round destination for cricket fans, offering a mix of star power and local flavor. In the past few seasons, the league has seen a handful of “star‑player” signings such as Jos Buttler (Southern Brave) and Jos Buttler’s compatriot, the England all‑rounder Chris Woakes, sign up for a limited period. Williamson’s three‑year commitment raises expectations for a sustained influence.

4. Looking Ahead

The season’s closing deals set the stage for a 2024 campaign that promises plenty of excitement. With Williamson’s seasoned experience and Gaikwad’s raw talent, the Birmingham Stars and Manchester Originals are poised to challenge the status quo. Both clubs now have a clearer vision for the next two years: a more consistent batting core and a leadership bench to guide younger players.

From a fan perspective, the deal announcements are more than just contracts; they represent a new chapter in the narrative of The Hundred. While the league will undoubtedly continue to experiment with new rules and marketing strategies, these signings demonstrate a concrete investment in the quality and competitiveness of the sport.

In summary, the two final deals of the off‑season mark a turning point for The Hundred. They highlight the league’s strategic focus on blending seasoned internationals with burgeoning domestic stars, ultimately strengthening the competition’s allure and setting the scene for a thrilling 2024 season.