Steve Smith joins Welsh Fire for The Hundred 2025
What's the story
Australian cricket star Steve Smith has been signed by Welsh Fire for The Hundred 2025.
The announcement comes as teams finalize their line-ups ahead of The Hundred Draft on March 12.
Smith was originally scheduled to feature in the tournament's inaugural edition in 2020, but his debut was postponed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, after five years, he will display his skills in this fast-paced 100-ball format.
Anticipation
Smith's excitement over joining Welsh Fire
Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Welsh Fire, Smith said, "I'm delighted to be joining Welsh Fire later this summer."
He added that he had been following The Hundred closely and was eager to participate. "It looks a lot of fun and obviously, the cricket is world-class, with talent in every team," he said.
Smith is set to join Tom Abell, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and Jonny Bairstow in the squad.
Strategy
How much will Smith earn?
This year, teams are allowed to sign one male and one female player through private negotiations, instead of solely through The Hundred Draft.
This new approach has been key to attracting top-tier players like Smith.
His signing marks a 60% increase in salaries for the tournament, with Smith to earn £200,000.
This makes him one of the highest-paid stars in the tournament.
Career
Smith's desire to play shorter formats
In January this year, Smith expressed his desire to play for Australia in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The revelation came on the back of a stunning Big Bash League (BBL) performance, where he scored an unbeaten 121 off just 64 deliveries for Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers.
Notably, Smith didn't find any takers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction.
He has over 5,800 runs in his T20 career.
Information
A look at other notable signings
Afghanistan's Rashid Khan (Oval Invincibles), Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis (Trent Rockets), and South Africa's David Miller (Northern Superchargers) are among other big names to feautre in The Hundred 2025, starting August 5.