Welsh Fire confirm signing of Steve Smith to bolster chances in all new Hundred in 2025

National World - LocalTV

Welsh Fire have confirmed the high-profile signing of Australian star Steve Smith for the 2025 edition of The Hundred. Known for his world-class batting and vast experience, Smith’s arrival is set to bolster Fire’s chances in the newly revamped tournament.  His ability to control the game and perform under pressure makes him a key addition as Welsh Fire aim for a strong title challenge this season.

Transcript

00:00Welsh Fire have secured a major signing ahead of the 2025 season of the 100, adding former

00:08Australian captain Steve Smith to their squad.

00:11Smith had originally been set to play in the tournament's inaugural season before Covid-19

00:16delayed his participation.

00:19Now he finally joins the Cardiff-based franchise, bringing world-class experience and leadership

00:24to their line-up.

00:26I've watched the competition on From Afar and I can't wait to be involved.

00:31It looks like a lot of fun and the cricket is world-class, with talent in every team.

00:37Smith's signing is a statement of intent from Welsh Fire, who were looking to improve their

00:42fortunes after mixed performances in the previous editions.

00:47His addition comes as the 100 attracts some of the biggest names in world cricket, thanks

00:52to a 60 per cent increase in top salaries and the growing influence of private investment

00:57throughout the league.

00:59The first thing I would say is that the 100 is aimed at a new crowd.

01:05It's aimed at family-friendly environments, giving the opportunities for boys and girls

01:12to enjoy their cricket.

01:14The programme that we're running, the Dynamos Cricket Intros, is for 8 to 11-year-old boys

01:19and girls in traditional and non-traditional cricket areas.

01:24What the 100 does is brings everything to life.

01:27Smith joins Welsh Fire on a £200,000 deal, putting him in the tournament's top salary

01:33bracket, while Khan has signed for Oval Invincibles on a £120,000 contract.

01:41The rise in player salaries has helped the 100 compete with rival leagues, particularly

01:46Major League Cricket in the US, which previously lured several Australian stars away.

01:52With the MLC now scheduled before the 100, player availability has improved, allowing

01:57more marquee signings to commit.

02:00With Smith leading the charge, Welsh Fire fans will be hoping for a strong campaign

02:05when the tournament kicks off on 5 August, as they look to challenge for the title against

02:10an increasingly competitive field.

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