Chris Green, Katie George and Riley Meredith will all play for Welsh Fire in The Hundred this summer, after being signed today in The Hundred Draft.
David Payne returns for a fifth season after being selected as Welsh Fire’s first pick in the men’s competition, bringing his experience to Cardiff once again under Head Coach Mike Hussey.
Meanwhile, Head Coach Gareth Breese used his right-to-match option to retain Sophia Dunkley, keeping the England international in the Welsh capital following a successful 2025 campaign that saw Welsh Fire reach The Hundred Final at Lord’s.
In the men’s squad, Paul Walter joins from Manchester Originals, while Australian duo Chris Green and Riley Meredith bolster the team. Saif Zaib and Josh Hull add further depth, and Mason Crane returns for his second season.
On the women’s side, Katie Levick arrives from Birmingham Phoenix, joining Katie George and the returning Sophia Dunkley as Welsh Fire look to build on last season’s success.
Elsewhere, Rachin Ravindra, Georgia Voll and Noor Ahmad were three of the biggest names to be selected across the rest of The Hundred Draft.
They join a host of superstars already selected for the competition, including Williamson, Steve Smith, Hayley Matthews, Ellyse Perry, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Jos Buttler.
In total, 66 players were selected in The Hundred Draft, with the 16 men’s and women’s squads now almost finalised. All teams will have a further chance to add to their group, at the Vitality Wildcard Draft in May, rewarding form in the Vitality Blast men’s and women’s competitions.
David Payne said: ‘’I’m absolutely buzzing to be back with the Welsh Fire for a fifth year in The Hundred. The team has been building consistently under Mike Hussey, and there’s a real sense of momentum. I love the environment that Huss has created and in the last couple of years we’ve developed a strong team culture which is really important. The atmosphere at a full Sophia Gardens is always incredible and I can’t wait to get back out there in August to push for our best season yet.’’.
Katie George said: ‘’I’m really excited to be back with Welsh Fire after a few years away. Fire have been improving every year, and reaching the final in 2024 highlights that progress! There’s a great squad in place and I can’t wait to be a part of the journey in 2025’’.
Tickets will be available in a priority window for fans who sign up in advance at thehundred.com. Fans can then purchase from 1-15 April before general sale begins from 17 April.
For more information on The Hundred Draft head to: https://www.thehundred.com/draft-2025
