Welsh Fire are poised to announce England batter Phil Salt as one of their direct signings for the 2026 edition of The Hundred.<\/p>\n
It is understood the 29-year-old opener, who previously played for Manchester Originals, will become one of Fire’s top earners.<\/p>\n
A source close to the Cardiff-based franchise said the arrival of Wales-born Salt represented a “real coup” given there was interest in him from other teams in The Hundred.<\/p>\n
Salt has substantial global franchise experience, including the Indian Premier League, and has made 1,540 runs at 38.50 in 50 T20 internationals for England.<\/p>\n
He was given a one-year central contract by England in November.<\/p>\n
Teams are allowed to directly sign or retain four players before the auction – a new addition for this season – set to take place in March.<\/p>\n
Fire are also planning to bring former Australia captain Ricky Ponting on board in a strategic advisory role.<\/p>\n
The 51-year-old was initially said to be in the running to be Fire head coach<\/a> but it is understood the side have decided to retain Mike Hussey in the position for this year’s tournament.<\/p>\n Ponting, who played 560 times for Australia between 1995 and 2012, currently combines work as a television pundit with franchise coaching stints.<\/p>\n He is the head coach of Indian Premier League side Punjab Kings and Washington Freedom in USA’s Major League Cricket.<\/p>\n