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Welsh Fire

Welsh Fire is a professional franchise cricket team that represents in The Hundred, the England and Cricket Board's 100-ball domestic league, fielding both men's and women's squads based at Sophia Gardens in . Established in 2021 for the inaugural season of The Hundred, the franchise has competed annually since, with the men's team finishing in mid-table positions including 4th in 2023 and 8th in 2025, while the women's team reached the runners-up spot in 2024 and finished 8th in 2025. In July 2025, ownership of was restructured through a between , ' sole first-class county side, and the American team , valuing the at over £80 million and aiming to expand its global commercial reach. The men's squad, captained by and coached by Mike Hussey, features prominent international players such as Steve Smith, , and Matt Henry, while the women's team was guided by head coach Gareth Breese in 2025, with appointed for 2026, and includes talents like Katie George. This setup underscores Welsh Fire's role in promoting across , leveraging its ties to to nurture local talent alongside high-profile overseas signings in the fast-paced format of .

Franchise Background

Formation and Launch

Welsh Fire was established in May 2019 as one of eight franchise teams for the inaugural season of The Hundred, a new competition launched by the (ECB) in 2021. The team's name was revealed alongside the others on May 29, 2019, through ECB trademark applications, marking the official start of preparations for the competition. The franchise operates jointly under the stewardship of and the Glamorgan Cricket Board, serving as the regional representatives for along with bordering counties such as and . This collaborative structure ensures a focus on developing across the region, with Sophia Gardens in designated as the home venue for matches. The as "Welsh Fire" draws on Welsh through its scheme—evoking the Welsh flag—and symbolizes the fiery energy and passion intended to ignite interest in within the area. In the initial player draft held in October 2019, Welsh Fire selected wicketkeeper-batsman as the for the men's team and all-rounder for the women's team, setting the foundation for their inaugural squads. These picks highlighted the franchise's aim to blend international star power with local development opportunities ahead of the 2021 launch.

Ownership and Governance

Welsh Fire was initially established as a franchise wholly owned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2019 as part of the launch of The Hundred competition. In 2025, as part of the ECB's process to attract private investment into The Hundred's eight teams, the ownership structure underwent a significant transformation. The ECB transferred 50% of its shareholding in Welsh Fire to Glamorgan County Cricket Club, the franchise's host county, while the remaining 50% was acquired by Washington Freedom, the Major League Cricket team based in the United States. This joint ownership deal, valued at £84.6 million for the franchise, was completed and announced on July 31, 2025, marking a strategic move to foster global expansion through transatlantic partnerships in cricket. The franchise operates under the overarching governance of the ECB, which retains full ownership and control of The Hundred competition itself, including the establishment of a dedicated governing board to oversee its operations. Welsh Fire adheres to ECB regulations, such as the Men's and Women's Player Selection Regulations, which dictate draft processes, salary caps, and retention rules to ensure competitive balance across teams. Additionally, the ownership model includes financial commitments from the ECB's investment proceeds, with over £500 million reinvested into professional cricket, women's game development, and grassroots initiatives across all 18 First-Class Counties, including support for recreational cricket in Wales. Through its ties to , Welsh Fire plays a key role in in , particularly by investing in pathways and grassroots participation to inspire young people in playing, supporting, and leading in . This includes enhancing talent development programs aligned with Glamorgan's resources, aiming to build a sustainable future for in the region while leveraging the franchise's growing global profile for economic benefits in and beyond.

Historical Development

Early Seasons (2021–2022)

The Welsh Fire franchise entered The Hundred in 2021 as one of eight inaugural teams, with both the men's and women's sides playing their debut matches at Sophia Gardens in under strict protocols that limited crowd capacities to around 3,000 spectators per game. The men's team, coached by , secured three wins from eight matches to finish sixth in the standings, showing flashes of potential but struggling with consistency in the novel 100-ball format. The women's team, led by captain , managed only two victories, ending eighth and highlighting early adaptation challenges to the shorter innings structure that demanded rapid scoring rates from the first set of five-ball overs. In 2022, both teams endured a more difficult campaign, finishing eighth in their respective competitions amid ongoing adjustments to The Hundred's unique format, which emphasized explosive starts and minimized defensive play but exposed vulnerabilities in Welsh Fire's line-ups. The men's side, still under Kirsten, suffered a winless season with eight defeats, plagued by frequent batting collapses—such as being reduced to 3-1 early in their opener against —and disruptions from international call-ups that weakened the squad's depth. The women's team recorded just one victory from eight games, similarly hampered by top-order failures and the format's pressure to accelerate without traditional building phases. These early seasons underscored strategic hurdles posed by the 100-ball rules, including variable over lengths (five or ten balls) that complicated rhythm and required teams to prioritize power-hitting over steady accumulation, often leading to Welsh Fire's premature ends. Post-2022, Kirsten's departure as men's marked a significant staff adjustment, reflecting the franchise's need to overhaul its approach after two underwhelming years.

Recent Progress (2023–2025)

In 2023, the Welsh Fire men's team achieved their highest finish to date by placing fourth in The Hundred, marking a significant turnaround from prior seasons under the leadership of new head coach Mike Hussey. This improvement stemmed from strategic squad rebuilds at the draft, including the acquisition of high-profile overseas players such as Pakistan's and , which injected pace and experience into the bowling attack. Hussey's approach emphasized aggressive play and better team cohesion, transforming the side into a more competitive unit capable of challenging top teams. The women's team built on this momentum in 2024, advancing to the final for the first time and securing second place overall, their most notable success in the competition's history. Under captain , the side demonstrated resilience and batting depth, culminating in a strong league stage performance that earned them a spot in the showpiece match at , despite ultimately falling short against . This achievement highlighted the ongoing rebuild efforts, with Beaumont's leadership fostering a more balanced squad focused on explosive starts and consistent contributions from the middle order. However, the 2025 season represented a setback for both teams, with the men and women finishing eighth and last in their respective standings, underscoring challenges in maintaining progress. Key issues included limited player retention, as the men's squad held onto only six players ahead of the , leading to disruptions in continuity and familiarity. Despite these hurdles, milestones emerged through acquisitions, such as Australian batter Steve Smith's direct signing for the men as their , aimed at bolstering top-order stability. For the women, Beaumont continued to anchor the rebuild as , though the team struggled with integration of new talent amid the league's evolving retention rules.

Achievements

Men's Team

The Welsh Fire men's team has competed in The Hundred since 2021, primarily finishing in mid-to-lower table positions. Their best performance came in 2023, when they secured 4th place and qualified for the . In 2025, the team ended the season in 8th place with 2 wins from 8 matches and a of -0.504.
SeasonPositionWins-LossesNotes
20218th1-6Inaugural season
20228th0-7Winless
20234th5-3Playoff qualifiers
20246th3-5-
20258th2-6-

Women's Team

The Welsh Fire women's team achieved their highest finish in 2024, reaching the final as runners-up after defeating in the eliminator. In 2023, captain scored the first century in the competition's history (118 ) against [Trent Rockets](/page/Trent Rockets). The 2025 season saw them finish 8th with 1 win from 8 matches and a of -0.83.
SeasonPositionWins-LossesNotes
20217th2-5-
20228th1-6-
3rd4-4Beaumont's century
20242nd5-2-1Runners-up
20258th1-7-

Organisation and Staff

Coaching Personnel

The men's team is currently led by head coach Mike Hussey, a former international batter who played 79 ODIs and 38 T20Is, and was appointed in February ahead of that season. Hussey's prior coaching experience includes roles with A and as an assistant with the national team, bringing a focus on technical batting development and strategic game management. Under his leadership, Welsh Fire men showed marked improvement in , finishing fourth in the group stage with four wins from eight matches—their best position to date—highlighted by an eight-wicket victory over in a crucial group stage match. Hussey has extended his tenure through 2026, continuing to emphasize player fitness and tactical adaptability aligned with ECB guidelines. The women's team has seen a recent transition, with Gareth Breese serving as head coach from 2022 through the 2025 season, building on his background as a former all-rounder and Women's performance coach. Breese, who succeeded inaugural coach Mark O'Leary—appointed for the 2021 launch and focused on nurturing domestic talent from Welsh pathways—prioritized youth integration and regional development. His tenure culminated in a strong 2024 campaign, where Welsh Fire women finished second in the group stage and reached the final, losing by four wickets to despite posting 115 for eight. As of October 2025, former Australian batter has been appointed head coach for 2026 on a two-year deal, alongside recruitment oversight for both teams; Klinger brings experience from coaching women in 2025 and Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League. Support staff for both teams includes specialized roles such as fielding coaches, performance analysts, and medical personnel, all adhering to ECB standards for player welfare and data-driven preparation. Key figures have included assistant coaches (batting specialist with women's experience) and Aimee Rees (focused on women's pathways and formerly with ), who contributed to squad cohesion across seasons. These roles support holistic development, with analysts using video and metrics to refine strategies, though specific appointments rotate annually in line with ECB protocols.

Administrative Structure

The administrative structure of Welsh Fire is overseen by , with day-to-day operations managed by General Manager , who also serves as Director of Cricket for . Wallace coordinates the franchise's non-coaching functions, including strategic planning and team logistics, working in tandem with Glamorgan's chief executive, Dan Cherry, who has been instrumental in integrating Welsh Fire's operations since his appointment in 2024. The operations team, supported by roles such as the Cricket Operations Administrator, handles logistical aspects like match-day coordination and compliance with (ECB) regulations, ensuring seamless execution under Glamorgan's governance framework. Marketing and commercial activities are driven by Glamorgan's commercial department, focusing on partnerships that enhance the franchise's visibility in The Hundred. Key sponsorships include as the official team partner, featuring brands like on kits and promotional materials since the competition's inception, with an expansion to sleeve sponsorship starting in 2026. These deals, alongside broader The Hundred broadcast sponsorships such as Toyota's sleeve agreement across teams, support promotional efforts including animated TV idents and digital campaigns to engage Welsh audiences. Youth integration forms a core operational pillar, linking Welsh Fire with 's pathway programs to foster talent development across . Under the ECB's County Partnership Agreement, manages age-group academies that provide opportunities for young players to train and compete, with Welsh Fire matches offering exposure and inspiration through ticket access initiatives for local clubs. outreach extends this via programs addressing social issues, such as partnerships with Alzheimer's Wales and Public Health to promote inclusive participation in schools and underserved areas. The financial model relies on diversified revenue streams, including ticket sales at Sophia Gardens, ECB central funding, and commercial income from sponsorships. The 2025 partnership with Washington Freedom, which established joint 50% ownership for an estimated £80 million valuation of the , has injected capital for operational expansion and investment, part of the ECB's broader £50 million commitment to from the proceeds of The Hundred equity sales. This structure enables sustainable growth, with funds supporting youth development and commercial scaling without direct reliance on on-field performance.

Venue

Sophia Gardens Overview

Sophia Gardens is located in , , serving as the official home ground for Welsh Fire since the launch of The Hundred in 2021. Situated along the River Taff in the Pontcanna area, the venue provides a scenic backdrop for matches and has become a central hub for Welsh sporting events. The ground's history traces back to the late 1960s when relocated from to Sophia Gardens in 1967, following the redevelopment of the Arms Park site primarily for rugby. Originally part of a larger public parkland area established in the , the site was transformed into a dedicated venue to accommodate the club's needs after a 125-year was secured in 1995. Major renovations between 2007 and 2008 upgraded the facilities to international standards, enabling it to host Test matches since 2009 and One Day Internationals since 1999 for the England national team. Architecturally, Sophia Gardens features a natural turf grass pitch, meticulously prepared with rolled and closely mown surfaces for optimal play, alongside modern floodlights installed to support day-night fixtures with colored clothing and white balls. Spectator amenities include accessible viewing platforms, secure facilities, and areas designed to enhance the matchday experience for diverse audiences. With a capacity accommodating over 15,000 fans, it stands as a versatile stadium blending tradition with contemporary functionality. For Welsh Fire, Sophia Gardens holds particular significance as the exclusive venue for all home matches in The Hundred, embodying regional pride and fostering a vibrant atmosphere that unites Cardiff's community around short-format . This central role underscores the ground's evolution from a local cricket outpost to a symbol of Welsh sporting identity.

Facilities and Capacity

Sophia Gardens accommodates up to 16,000 spectators for Welsh Fire matches in The Hundred, featuring a combination of seated areas in stands like the CM.com Stand and Castell Howell Stand, alongside terraced standing sections to maximize attendance for the fast-paced 100-ball format. The venue underwent significant expansions prior to the inaugural Hundred season in , enhancing infrastructure to support larger, more vibrant crowds while maintaining safety standards, as evidenced by adjustments during early events. The pitch and outfield at Sophia Gardens are meticulously maintained to suit the demands of The Hundred's 100-ball games, with a focus on providing balanced conditions that favor both batting aggression and variety in shorter . This approach aligns with ECB regulations for The Hundred, promoting durability without altering the traditional feel of surfaces. Supporting Welsh Fire's operations, the venue offers dedicated additional facilities including a seven-lane indoor net complex within the National Cricket Centre for year-round training sessions, allowing players to hone skills in controlled environments. Media centers equipped for live broadcasts and press operations facilitate comprehensive coverage of matches, while general training amenities support team preparation. Post-2020 updates have emphasized , with committing to 100% renewable energy sourcing and enhanced waste reduction and recycling programs to minimize the environmental footprint of events at the site. In 2025, Sophia Gardens was awarded the Best Spectator Experience for The Hundred, reflecting a 25% increase in ticket sales, particularly among female fans and families.

Teams

Men's Team

The Welsh Fire men's team in The Hundred is led by captain , who assumed the role in 2024. Abell, a middle-order batter known for his tactical acumen, provides stability and leadership to the squad. Key players include wicket-keeper batter , who anchors the top order with aggressive strokeplay; overseas star Steve Smith, a direct signing renowned for his technical batting prowess; and bowler David Payne, a reliable left-arm seamer contributing to the pace attack. The team also features international talent such as Pakistan's , blending experience with emerging players. The squad comprises 15 players, assembled through a combination of retentions, direct signings, and the annual draft process governed by The Hundred's rules, which allow up to four retentions per team and limit overseas players to three per match. This structure includes a mix of domestic English talents like and alongside overseas recruits such as Matt Henry and , ensuring depth across batting, bowling, and all-round capabilities. Under head coach Mike Hussey, the team adopts a balanced playing style emphasizing a robust top-order batting lineup—led by Bairstow, , and —for explosive starts, complemented by a potent pace bowling unit featuring Payne, Rauf, and Meredith to exploit early swing and bounce. This approach prioritizes versatility in the 100-ball format, integrating spin options like Chris Green for middle-overs control.

Women's Team

The Welsh Fire women's team is led by captain Tammy Beaumont, who was appointed to the role ahead of the 2022 season following her draft selection from London Spirit. Beaumont, an experienced England opener, provides steady leadership and has been instrumental in fostering team cohesion. The current squad comprises 15 players, with a strong emphasis on all-round depth to balance batting firepower and versatile bowling options. Following their appearance in the 2024 final, the team prioritized continuity through key retentions, including Beaumont, all-rounder Hayley Matthews, spinner Jess Jonassen, and pace bowler Shabnim Ismail, alongside domestic talents like Sarah Bryce, Freya Davies, and Katie George. This structure allows flexibility across formats, with overseas players contributing significantly to the core. Prominent players include , the West Indian all-rounder who serves as the team's top run-scorer with her explosive right-handed batting and off-spin bowling. , the Australian left-arm orthodox spinner, stands out as the leading wicket-taker, offering control and variations in the middle overs. Shabnim Ismail complements the attack as a fiery right-arm fast bowler, known for her raw pace and ability to extract bounce, while domestic all-rounder Katie George adds left-arm pace bowling and lower-order batting depth. The team's playing style revolves around aggressive batting to set or chase high totals, supported by a spin-heavy bowling unit that exploits the seamer-friendly yet turning pitches at Sophia Gardens in Welsh conditions. This approach, bolstered by the 2024 final run, aims to build on recent momentum while adapting to the fast-paced nature of The Hundred.

Season Summaries

Men's Seasons

In the inaugural 2021 season of The Hundred, the Welsh Fire men's team finished seventh in the points table with three wins from eight matches and a of -0.827. Their victories included an 18-run win over , highlighted by Jonny Bairstow's explosive debut fifty of 72 runs off 31 balls, which powered them to 165/4. Despite this standout performance, the team struggled with consistency, losing five matches, including heavy defeats to top sides like and . The 2022 campaign marked a low point for Welsh Fire, as they ended eighth with just one win from eight games and a of -1.379. Their sole victory came against by four wickets, chasing 150 in a rare batting recovery led by Ben Duckett's unbeaten 64. Batting failures plagued the season, with the team posting low totals like 97 all out against and suffering collapses in multiple innings, contributing to seven losses and elimination from contention early. Welsh Fire showed improvement in 2023, securing fourth place with four wins, three losses, one no result, and a of +0.047, earning a spot in the eliminator. Key wins included an eight-wicket triumph over and a nine-run victory against in a rain-affected match, where their total runs exceeded 1,200 across the season, the highest among their campaigns to date. However, their playoff push ended with a six-wicket loss to in the eliminator, despite strong contributions from wicket-taker , who led the team with 11 scalps. In 2024, the team regressed to sixth position with three wins from eight matches and a of -0.434. Notable performances included an eight-wicket victory over , but losses in crucial games, such as a three-wicket defeat to while defending 94, highlighted bowling inconsistencies. The 2025 season saw Welsh Fire finish eighth again, with two wins, six losses, and a of -0.504. They secured a 25-run win over , powered by Meredith's career-best 4/9, but struggled overall, including a four-run loss to .
SeasonPositionMatchesWinsLossesNo Result
20217th8350-0.827
20228th8170-1.379
20234th8431+0.047
20246th8350-0.434
20258th8260-0.504

Women's Seasons

The Welsh Fire women's team entered The Hundred in 2021 as one of eight franchises, competing in the 100-ball format alongside their men's counterpart. Over the five seasons to 2025, the team experienced a trajectory of initial challenges, marked by inconsistent performances and adaptation issues, followed by a peak in 2023–2024 where they qualified for playoffs and reached the final, before a sharp decline in 2025. Key factors included reliance on overseas all-rounders like and for leadership in batting and bowling, with team success often hinging on their contributions amid fluctuating domestic support. The squad's evolution reflected broader trends in women's franchise , emphasizing and aggressive top-order batting, though vulnerabilities in fielding and middle-order stability persisted across years. In the inaugural 2021 season, Welsh Fire finished 7th in the eight-team competition, securing 3 wins from 8 matches with 5 losses and no no-results or ties, earning 6 points and a of -0.114. The team faced early adaptation struggles to the format's unique rules, such as powerplays and set lengths, resulting in batting collapses in several games, including a 30-run loss to despite a competitive total of 110/7. was led by Lisa Kershaw and , but the unit conceded runs at an average economy of around 8.5, highlighting inexperience against established sides like the eventual champions . No individual from the team claimed major awards, though Georgia Redmayne's 38 in a chase against earned player-of-the-match honors in one victory. The 2022 season proved even tougher, with Welsh Fire ending 8th after a reduced schedule of 6 matches due to clashes with the , recording 1 win, 5 losses, 2 points, and a of -0.681. Defensive was particularly exposed, as opponents exploited loose lines and lengths, with the team leaking 775 runs in 113.3 overs at an economy exceeding 6.8 overall. Their sole victory came against by 11 runs, where Sarah Bryce's 50 helped post 123/6, but losses like a 19-run defeat to underscored fielding errors and lack of depth. contributed with both bat and ball, but the squad's overall form led to the lowest points tally, prompting squad rebuilds in the draft. By 2023, Welsh Fire showed marked improvement, clinching 3rd place with 5 wins, 2 losses, 1 no-result from 8 matches, 11 points, and a strong of 0.602, qualifying for the playoffs before a 7-wicket loss to in the eliminator. Hayley Matthews had a breakout all-round season, scoring 134 runs at an average of 22.33 including a match-winning 65 off 38 balls against —her side's highest total of 165/3—and taking 7 wickets at an economy of 7.65. The team's economy rate improved to approximately 6.9, driven by Matthews' spin and Sarah Glenn's additions, though they fell short in the . Matthews earned multiple player-of-the-match awards, underscoring her impact. In 2024, Welsh Fire peaked by finishing 2nd with 5 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no-result from 8 league matches (15 points, +0.459), advancing to the final where they lost by 4 wickets to despite restricting them to 147/7. emerged as the standout performer, claiming 12 wickets at an economy of 5.80 and average of 14.17, including a 3/17 spell in the playoff win over . The team's overall economy dipped to 6.4, bolstered by Jonassen's control and Matthews' 198 runs at 33.00 average, with a highest of 78. This runner-up finish marked their best campaign, though the final exposed chasing vulnerabilities at . The 2025 season represented a post-final slump, with Welsh Fire slumping to 8th place after just 1 win from 8 matches (7 losses, 4 points, -0.830), failing to qualify for playoffs amid a winless start through six games. Their solitary victory was a 36-run thrashing of , posting 150/3 thanks to Jonassen's 44 off 17, but subsequent defeats, like a 29-run loss to , highlighted batting fragility and bowling leaks at an economy over 7.5. Key players like Matthews scored 133 runs but the unit lacked cohesion, possibly due to from prior success and changes; no major individual awards were secured, with the season analyzed as a regression in momentum following the 2024 heartbreak.
SeasonPositionRecord (W-L-T-NR)Key Performer & HighlightTeam Economy RateIndividual Award
20217th3-5-0-0 (top scorer, 200+ runs); adaptation challenges in format~8.5None
20228th1-5-0-0 (all-round, 100+ runs & wickets); sole win vs. Superchargers~6.8None
20233rd5-2-0-1 (134 runs, 7 wickets); 65* & 3/21 vs. for first win~6.9Multiple POTM for Matthews
20242nd5-2-0-1 (12 wickets @5.80 econ); 3/17 in playoff~6.4None (tournament POTM: )
20258th1-7-0-0 (3/10 vs. ); lone win vs. ~7.5None

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