Win Projections to be updated soon
London, 27 November 2025:
The Professional Cricketers’ Association has urged players not to sign Hundred contracts for next season as a dispute deepens with new franchise owners over contract terms.
Under a supplementary mechanism to the IPL-style auction launching next year, Hundred teams can make four direct signings — one from their current squad and three others, either overseas players or England centrally contracted players. The direct-signing window opened last week, but the PCA has advised members to delay signing because of concerns over new multiyear deals.
According to information obtained by The Guardian, new franchise owners — four of whom also own Indian Premier League teams — have inserted a unilateral 12-month release clause into proposed three-year contracts. The PCA is contesting the clause, arguing it provides players with no job security and locks them into the same salary for three seasons even if their value rises after a strong first year.
Such contracts mirror common practice in India, where no players’ union represents current cricketers. The Board of Control for Cricket in India recognized the Indian Cricketers’ Association six years ago, but membership is limited to former players.
The PCA has reviewed draft contracts but has not approved them, pushing back against the release clause and contributing to delays in signings. The union fears players could either be released after one year of a three-year deal or retained on below-market salaries.
Jos Buttler experienced a similar situation early in his IPL career, spending three seasons with Mumbai Indians on a relatively modest £385,000 salary following his breakthrough in international cricket.
Hundred franchise owners had hoped to finalize contract terms before announcing new salary bands last month. Team budgets have risen to £2.05 million for the men’s competition and £880,000 for the women’s. But the impasse has already stalled several signings.
Negotiations between franchises and the PCA are ongoing. One option under discussion is adding performance-based pay increases in exchange for accepting release clauses.
The direct-signing window closes at the end of January, ahead of the first Hundred auction in March, which will replace the previous draft system.
The PCA declined to comment.
