Manchester Super Giants have announced india women’s cricket team star Smriti Mandhana as a signing ahead of The Hundred 2026. After a wait of several months following the Super Giants’ acquisition of The Hundred franchise Manchester Originals, the team were renamed to Manchester Super Giants. The announcement was made via a social media post amid the ongoing retention and signing window ahead the 2026 edition of the tournament.
Smriti Mandhana to feature in The Hundred
After a brilliant season in 2025 where she also contributed in India Women’s maiden ODI World Cup winning campaign, the opening batter has been confirmed as one of the signings for Manchester super Giants along with Meg Lanning and Sophie Ecclestone. In the men’s team, Jos Buttler continues to feature in the side along with Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Dawson and Noor Ahmad. However, not much details have been revealed about Smriti’s signing, but it comes with the Manchester-based franchise eyeing on the title triumph in 2026, which will be played from July 21 to August 16.
Manchester Originals renamed to Manchester Super Giants
In a major rejig, the Manchester Originals were renamed to Manchester Super Giants, a name change which was long overdue. This comes after Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG Group paid £80m for 70% stake in the team. Taking to X, Goenka expressed excitement on this massive shift, while revealing Jos Buttler and Smriti Mandhana as the two faces of the team.
“Manchester is a city synonymous with sport, passion, and legacy. As the Super Giants family grows globally, our presence in The Hundred reflects a long-term commitment to become part of the sporting culture and conscience of this great city. The Manchester Super Giants identity represents this belief and ambition,” team co-owner Sanjiv Goenka posted on X.
The announcement was made just days after the Reliance Industries changed Oval Invincibles’ name to MI London following their 49% stake acquisition and the Yorkshire-based franchise Northern Superchargers were renamed to Sunrisers Leeds after The Sun Group’s 100 percent takeover.
