Franchise Cricket

Elizabeth Botcherby
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Manchester Originals

Amelia Kerr is no stranger to winning silverware.

Over the past 12 months alone, the all-rounder has produced a player of the match-winning performance in a T20 World Cup final to steer New Zealand to their maiden title, captained Wellington to victory in the Super Smash, and won the WPL with Mumbai Indians for a second time.

Her individual honours are equally extensive: player of the tournament at the T20 World Cup, the leading wicket-taker in the 2025 WPL, and the ICC's women's cricketer of the year for 2024.

Despite all of her accolades, the 24-year-old is confident there is room for another medal in her collection as she eyes glory with Manchester Originals in The Hundred.

"There's always space [for medals]. It doesn't take up much room," Kerr told BBC Sport. "The Hundred is something I want to win and haven't won before. I'd love to go home as a champion."

Manchester Originals hold an unfortunate title in the women's Hundred as the only team yet to progress beyond the group stage, achieving their highest finish of fifth in 2021.

However, Kerr, one of three overseas players in the Originals' ranks alongside Australia's Beth Mooney and West Indies' Deandra Dottin, believes a combination of "world-class players" and the attitude of new head coach Michael Klinger will bring success to Manchester.

"We've got such a good side. Sometimes that doesn't mean anything, it's about how you perform. But hopefully I can bring the belief that we can reach the final and be one of the best teams," she said.

"I'm so impressed with Michael Klinger. How he makes players feel in a short space of time, they are going to play without fear and express themselves and that's how you get the best out of people.

"Beth Mooney is one of the best T20 batters in the world and Sophie Ecclestone is often the best bowler. When you put that together, that's pretty exciting. It takes more than two players but we've got some world-class players and a strong domestic group."

Image source, Getty Images

Phil Salt and Beth Mooney will captain Manchester Originals in the 2025 edition of The Hundred.

England wicketkeeper Salt inherits the permanent role from Jos Buttler after previously serving as interim captain during 2023 and 2024.

Salt has represented the Originals since 2021, scoring 935 runs in 35 matches.

Australia international Mooney replaces England spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who captained the side for the past two seasons.

Mooney, who has previously captained Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League, scored 191 runs in eight matches for Manchester Originals last year.

Manchester Originals are two-time finalists in the men's edition of The Hundred but finished seventh in 2024.

The women's side are yet to progress beyond the group stage, achieving a highest placing of fifth in 2021.

Image source, Getty Images

Cricket Australia (CA) will consider private investment in the eight Big Bash franchises after a recommendation from a consulting firm.

CA commissioned Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to recommend ways the Big Bash could "evolve and capitalise on the past 15 years of innovation and investment across Australian cricket".

The report suggested that CA could seek alternative forms of investment and ownership – including allowing private ownership for the first time.

CA say no timeline has seen set and they will work with state and territory bodies and Big Bash clubs as well as the players' union and its broadcast and commercial partners as it assesses the recommendations, promising a "thorough exploratory process".

Other recommendations included schedule changes, with the tournament possibly starting on 26 December to avoid more of the Australia Test summer and increase player availability.

Increased salary caps to draw more top-tier international players was described as a "key recommendation".

CA chief executive Todd Greenberg said the BCG report was "strong validation" for the 15 years of innovation, fan engagement and success of the Big Bash.

"As well as creating amazing fan experiences, under its current operating model the League and its clubs are valuable assets with significant potential for growth.

"The success of the T20 format has been a huge boost for the game globally in attracting new audiences and increasing participation. We need to ensure that the Big Bash remains among the world's top sporting competitions."

Image source, Getty Images

Former India wicketkeeper Chandrakant Pandit has left his role as head coach of Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders.

Pandit, 63, took over the role in 2022 and led KKR to their first title in 10 years in 2024.

However KKR finished seventh in 2025, four points off the play-off places.

KKR thanked Pandit for his "invaluable contributions" and for "helping build a strong, resilient squad".

They added his "leadership and discipline have left a lasting impact on the team".

The dates for the 2026 tournament have not been announced but it is expected to start in late March.