3 Indian Stars Land Contracts in The Hundred Draft

Three Indian cricket stars are heading to England this summer after landing contracts in The Hundred's women's draft, a milestone that highlights the growing global demand for India's female cricket talent.

Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh secured the biggest payday among the drafted Indian players, earning £50,000 (approximately ₹61 lakh) from Manchester Super Giants. She'll join her teammate Smriti Mandhana, who was signed directly by the franchise before the draft even began.

All-rounder Deepti Sharma also found a home with SunRisers Leeds at £27,500 (approximately ₹34 lakh). The experienced player brings both batting depth and bowling versatility to her new squad.

The draft took place on March 11, with 178 players vying for spots across eight franchises. Another 28 players had already secured their places through direct signings or retentions before the auction.

Manchester Super Giants assembled an impressive roster, pairing the two Indian stars with Australian legend Meg Lanning and England's Sophie Ecclestone. The franchise clearly invested in building a powerhouse squad for the upcoming season.

The tournament runs from July 21 through August 16, giving fans six weeks of fast-paced cricket action. Each team worked with an £880,000 budget to build their complete squads.

Why This Inspires

The contracts represent more than just individual success. They demonstrate how women's cricket continues breaking barriers and creating new opportunities on the global stage.

Indian players are increasingly sought after in international leagues, reflecting years of investment in grassroots development and competitive international play. When franchises compete for talent from India's national team, it validates the hard work of countless coaches, administrators, and players who built the program.

These deals also create role models for the next generation of young girls picking up cricket bats across India. Seeing their heroes earn international contracts and compete alongside the world's best sends a powerful message about what's possible.

The visibility and experience gained from playing in leagues like The Hundred helps players grow their skills while raising cricket's profile globally. Every contract signed is another step toward equality in sports.

Richa, Smriti, and Deepti will represent India on England's biggest cricket stage this summer, proving that talent knows no borders.