Phil Salt: England opener set to join Welsh Fire in 2026 edition of The Hundred

Welsh Fire are set to announce England batsman Phil Salt as one of their direct signings for the 2026 edition of The Hundred.

It is understood that the 29-year-old opener, who previously played for Manchester Originals, will become one of the Fire’s highest earners.

A source close to the Cardiff-based franchise said the arrival of Welsh-born Salt represented a “real coup” given there was interest in him from other teams in The Hundred.

Salt has extensive experience in global franchises, including the Indian Premier League, and has notched up 1,540 runs at 38.50 in 50 T20 internationals for England.

He was awarded a one-year central contract by England in November.

Teams are allowed to sign outright or retain four players before the auction – a new addition for this season – scheduled for March.

Fire also plan to bring former Australia captain Ricky Ponting into the team in a strategic advisory role.

The 51-year-old was initially said to be in the running to be Fire coach, but it is understood the team have decided to keep Mike Hussey in charge for this year’s Championship.

Ponting, who played 560 times for Australia between 1995 and 2012, currently combines work as a television analyst with franchise coaching duties.

He is the head coach of the Indian Premier League team Punjab Kings and Washington Freedom in the Major League Cricket in the United States of America.

IT entrepreneur and Freedom owner Sanjay Govil bought a 50% stake in Fire in the sale of the Hundred franchises last year, with county side Glamorgan retaining the other 50%.