Welsh Fire secure Phil Salt as direct signing for The Hundred 2026; Ponting to advise
Breaking news from Cardiff: Welsh Fire are ready to announce England batsman Phil Salt as a direct signing for The Hundred in 2026. The 29-year-old opener, formerly with Manchester Originals, is expected to be among Fire’s top earners when the new season kicks off.
A person close to the franchise described Salt’s arrival as a “real coup” given strong interest from rival clubs in The Hundred. Salt, who hails from Wales, has built a notable portfolio across global T20 leagues.
Salt’s resume includes significant franchise experience, notably in the Indian Premier League. He has amassed 1,540 runs at 38.50 in 50 Twenty20 internationals for England. he received a one-year central contract from England in November.
The Hundred’s rules allow teams to directly sign or retain four players before the annual auction, a change introduced for the upcoming season set for March. Salt’s move fits firmly into Welsh Fire’s bid to strengthen their squad ahead of the auction.
In a strategic boost, Fire plan to bring Ricky Ponting on board as a strategic adviser. The revered former Australia captain is best known for his coaching adn punditry work, though Fire previously considered him as a head coach candidate. The club has chosen to keep Mike Hussey in the head coach role for the current campaign.
Ponting’s standing in world cricket remains high. The Tasmanian-born star played 560 Tests and One-Day Internationals for Australia between 1995 and 2012 and continues to combine television punditry with franchise coaching duties. He currently coaches Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League and Washington Freedom in the United states’ major League cricket.
Ownership gains were also a talking point, as IT entrepreneur Sanjay Govil bought a 50 percent stake in Fire last year, joining Glamorgan who hold the other half in the updated Hundred structure.
Key facts at a glance
| Player | Phil Salt |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Wales-born England international |
| Role | Opening batter |
| Previous team | Manchester Originals |
| Contract type | Direct signing for 2026 edition |
| Franchise experience | IPL veteran; 1,540 runs in 50 T20 internationals for England |
| England contract | One-year central contract awarded in November |
| Advisory role | Ricky Ponting as strategic adviser |
| Head coach for 2026 | Mike Hussey |
| Ownership | Sanjay Govil owns 50%; Glamorgan holds 50% |
What impact will Salt’s recruitment have on the balance of power in The Hundred this season? Could Ponting’s advisory influence translate into tangible on-field gains for Fire in 2026?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for official confirmations and more updates on The Hundred’s 2026 lineup.
