Afghanistan cricket sensation Rashid Khan and Australian cricket star Meg Lanning have recently made headlines as the first ‘direct signings’ for the Oval Invincibles in The Hundred tournament. The signing of these two powerhouse players has added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for cricket fans worldwide.
Building the Dream Team
Rashid Khan, known for his exceptional spin bowling skills, will be joining forces with players like Gus Atkinson and Sam Billings in the Oval Invincibles’ men’s squad. On the other hand, Meg Lanning, a seven-time World Cup champion, will be sharing the field with Marizanne Kapp, Alice Capsey, and Lauren Winfield-Hill in the women’s squad.
The Hundred, a prestigious cricketing event, has witnessed 12 direct signings being confirmed on the deadline day. As the eight teams finalize their retentions and put together their squads before The Hundred Draft on March 12, the anticipation and excitement among fans continue to rise.
Homecoming and Excitement
The upcoming fifth season of The Hundred is set to kick off at the iconic Kia Oval on August 9, with a thrilling double-header featuring the Manchester Originals. Rashid Khan expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Oval Invincibles, stating, “I am really excited to be joining Oval Invincibles and calling the Kia Oval my home this August. It’s great to be joining the back-to-back champions.”
Meanwhile, Lauren Winfield-Hill shared her excitement about returning to the Invincibles this summer, emphasizing the love she has for the team and the electrifying atmosphere of playing in front of a packed house at the Kia Oval.
The women’s squad of the Oval Invincibles boasts a formidable lineup including Marizanne Kapp, Alice Capsey, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Meg Lanning, and other talented players. On the men’s side, stars like Sam Curran, Sam Billings, and Rashid Khan are set to showcase their skills on the field.
Supporters who are members at counties or fans who have purchased tickets for The Hundred in the past three seasons are eligible to buy match tickets. An exclusive window will be open to fans who have previously bought tickets to The Hundred from March 4-8, while all other fans can access priority tickets from April 1-15 by signing up in advance at thehundred.com. The general sale period for The Hundred begins on April 17, with ticket prices starting at £5 for juniors aged 3-15 and adults starting from £12.
In conclusion, the addition of Rashid Khan and Meg Lanning to the Oval Invincibles’ roster has set the stage for an exhilarating season of cricket in The Hundred. With star players, passionate fans, and a thrilling lineup of matches ahead, this year’s tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience for cricket enthusiasts around the world.
