The Hundred - Wildcards finalised by Regina Suddahazai
With The Hundred just weeks away, all eight women's teams have now confirmed their full squads after the 2025 Wildcard Draft was completed on July 15. While the main draft back in March handled the bulk of the selections, this final round allowed each team to add two more players to fill out their 15-player squads and honestly some of these picks could turn out to be huge.
Even though the wildcard round doesn't always get as much attention as the flashy main draft or the big overseas signings, it's actually where some of the most interesting decisions get made. It's a chance for teams to snap up players who've been impressing in domestic competitions, recovering from injuries, or simply flying under the radar.
What's the Wildcard Draft all about?
Each team got to pick two wildcard players, both on a fixed £10,000 contract. It's not about the money here, it's about filling gaps and finding talent that maybe wasn't obvious earlier in the year.
The wildcard draft happens pretty close to the tournament start (which kicks off August 5), giving coaches time to assess recent performances in domestic competitions before making their final picks.
For the players picked, it's a huge moment. Some are teenagers just getting started in pro cricket, others are more experienced players hoping for a breakthrough moment on a big stage.
Team-by-Team highlights
Here's a quick breakdown of who went where:
Birmingham Phoenix brought in Mary Taylor and Phoebe Brett. Both are exciting bowling options and could be key in helping the Phoenix tighten up their attack.
London Spirit picked Abi Norgrove and Kate Coppack, two players who've been steadily building a reputation in regional cricket. Norgrove especially has been on a lot of people's watchlists.
Manchester Originals went with Esmae MacGregor and Darcey Carter. Carter is one of the youngest names in the draft and definitely one to watch.
Northern Superchargers made a bold move picking Katherine Fraser, an international from Scotland, alongside Sophia Turner who's been putting in solid shifts at the domestic level.
Oval Invincibles added Daisy Gibb and Rebecca Odgers, two players who've flown under the radar but bring solid domestic form with them.
Southern Brave brought in Phoebe Turner and Amara Carr. Carr brings a lot of experience as a wicketkeeper which could prove super useful in the high tempo Hundred format.
Trent Rockets added Grace Thompson and Sophie Morris, both young bowlers who'll be hoping to make a mark with the ball.
Welsh Fire completed their squad with Charley Phillips and Alex Griffiths. Griffiths is a familiar face and brings a bit of Hundred experience already.
Why These Picks Matter
Let's be honest: not all wildcard picks will be game-changers but they've got the potential to be. In a short format like The Hundred, it doesn't take much for a new player to come in and steal the show. A quick 30 with the bat, a tight two-over spell, or a diving catch can turn a game on its head.
This year a lot of teams seem to be betting on young talent. It feels like a shift, maybe even a sign that franchises are starting to think long term. There's a nice mix of youth and experience across these wildcard picks and quite a few players who've been quietly doing great things in county and regional cricket are finally getting their shot.
Final Thoughts
Now that all the squads are locked in, The Hundred 2025 is set to be another exciting chapter in the growth of women's cricket. While most fans will be keeping their eyes on the big names-your Wyatt, Sciver Brunt, and Devine types-there's a lot to love in the wildcard group too.
If you're a cricket fan who likes spotting future stars, this is the draft to pay attention to. Some of these wildcard players could be household names in a few years. Or they could win their team a key match this summer. Either way it's a reminder that sometimes the best stories in sport start with a quiet selection nobody saw coming..