South African superstar Heinrich Klaasen has become Manchester Originals’ first Direct Signing in The Hundred, signing up on Deadline Day as the men’s and women’s teams begin to form their squad.
Klaasen joins the likes of Jos Buttler and Phil Salt in Simon Katich’s men’s squad, while Manchester Originals women’s team’s first direct signing is New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who joins the likes of Sophie Ecclestone and Beth Mooney.
Manchester Originals have also confirmed their retentions on Deadline Day, forming both men’s and women’s squads ahead of The Hundred Draft on 12 March. Tom Hartley, Tom Aspinwall and Matthew Hurst’s retentions ensures a local flavour remains in the Originals men’s squad with Scott Currie, Josh Tongue and Sonny Baker also remaining at Emirates Old Trafford for the 2025 edition.
Along with the signing of Amelia Kerr, Australian international Beth Mooney and world number one bowler Sophie Ecclestone are the big-name retentions in the Originals squad, while England fast bowlers Lauren Filer and Mahika Gaur will also remain in Manchester for the 2025 season. The retained line-up is completed by a core of strong domestic talents including Eve Jones, Fi Morris and Danielle Gregory as well as Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce ahead of Michael Klinger’s first summer as head coach.
The Hundred returns for its fifth year at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday 6 August, with the double-header visit of Southern Brave.
The men’s team will be looking to go one better after reaching the final in 2022 and 2023, while the women’s team will be looking to build on a positive 2024 campaign with their new Head Coach Klinger now in place.
Heinrich Klaasen said: “I’m delighted to be joining Manchester Originals for the upcoming season. My experience of playing in The Hundred in 2023 was amazing, with packed stadiums across the UK.
“I’m excited to play alongside Jos Buttler and Phil Salt and hopefully I can add some firepower to the batting lineup to entertain our fans in Manchester. I played against the Manchester Originals in the Final two years ago and hopefully we’ll be on the right side of the result this time around.”
Beth Mooney added: “I’m buzzing to be back with the Manchester Originals for the 2025 season. The squad is looking strong with the players we’ve retained and Melie Kerr joining us as a new signing. It will also be great to work with Michael Klinger as Head Coach who will bring loads of experience to the group.
“It was obviously disappointing to fall short of the finals last season, but I’m sure this year we can make a bit of a statement in the competition starting with our first game at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday 6 August.”
Manchester Originals Women: Amelia Kerr, Sophie Ecclestone, Beth Mooney, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Evelyn Jones, Kathryn Bryce, Fi Morris, Danielle Gregory
Manchester Originals Men: Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Heinrich Klaasen, Matthew Hurst, Scott Currie, Josh Tongue, Tom Hartley, Sonny Baker, Tom Aspinwall
From today, supporters who are members at First-Class Counties or fans who have bought tickets for The Hundred in three seasons or more are able to buy match tickets. An exclusive window open will be open to fans who have previously bought tickets to The Hundred from 4-18 March.
All other fans who would like to access priority tickets can enter the priority sale window from 1-15 April by signing up in advance at thehundred.com.
The general sale period for the fifth year of The Hundred begins from 17 April. Tickets continue to be great value, with prices set at £5 for juniors aged 3-15 (free for under 3s) and adults starting from £14.
For more information on The Hundred, click here.