Trent Boult is set to play for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred 2025, with the team close to completing a deal for the New Zealand cricketer.
What happened?
The England and Wales Cricket Board increased salaries for top players, rising from £125,000 to £200,000 for the four-week tournament.
This move has attracted bigger-name overseas stars, including Steve Smith and Kane Williamson.
Why it matters for Trent Boult
Trent Boult's signing is a significant boost for Birmingham Phoenix, who will be looking to improve their performance in the tournament.
The team has been able to sign one overseas player directly, and retain up to nine members of their 15-strong roster from last season.
What comes next?
The ECB will hold a draft for the fifth season of the men's competition next month, but teams have already started signing players.
London Spirit has confirmed the signing of Kane Williamson as their captain for 2025, while other teams have also completed deals for top players.
Trent Boult's experience and skills will be a valuable asset for Birmingham Phoenix in the tournament.
The Hundred has been criticized for its inability to attract top players in the past, but the increased salaries seem to have addressed this issue.
As of December, the ECB announced it would be pouring more money into salaries across The Hundred.
The top women's salaries rose from £50,000 to £65,000, although this has attracted criticism for widening the gender pay gap.
The move to increase salaries appears to have worked, with most direct signings close to being locked in before the deadline.
Trent Boult's signing is a significant development for The Hundred, and fans will be eagerly waiting to see him in action.
The tournament is set to start in 2025, and with top players like Trent Boult and Steve Smith on board, it promises to be an exciting season.