Cricket

The Hundred: Smriti & Buttler to play for Manchester Super Giants

Jan 15, 2026
The Hundred: Smriti & Buttler to play for Manchester Super Giants
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The Manchester Originals have officially become the Manchester Super Giants, marking a major transformation ahead of the 2026 season of The Hundred. The rebrand, confirmed after final approvals, ushers in a new era for the franchise and brings star power across both the men’s and women’s squads.

Owned primarily by the RPSG Group in partnership with Lancashire Cricket, the renamed team will continue to play its home matches at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. The change aligns the franchise with the broader Super Giants family of teams that includes Indian Premier League and SA20 sides.

What the rebrand means

The name change to Manchester Super Giants was more than cosmetic. It reflects an ambitious vision to build a globally connected cricket brand and taps into Manchester’s rich sporting culture. A new logo and branding suite were unveiled alongside the announcement, signifying a fresh start as the 100-ball competition gears up for its summer schedule.

The rebrand comes after the franchise’s majority acquisition by the RPSG Group in late 2025, following regulatory approvals and operational transitions that concluded this month.

Men’s Team Signings

  • Jos Buttler – Retained; England white-ball captain and star bat

  • Heinrich Klaasen – Retained; South African power hitter

  • Noor Ahmad – Retained; Afghan spin sensation

  • Liam Dawson – New signing; English all-round talent

Women’s Team Signings

  • Meg Lanning – Australian legend and former captain

  • Smriti Mandhana – Indian star opener signed ahead of 2026

  • Sophie Ecclestone – World No. 1 women’s bowler (retained)

Looking ahead to The Hundred 2026

With doors now open for further player acquisitions in the upcoming auction, scheduled for March 2026, the Manchester Super Giants’ squad is shaping up as one of the competition’s most exciting lineups. The season runs from 21 July to 16 August 2026, and fans will be watching to see if the rebranded franchise can translate its star quality into a championship run.

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