Universe Boss Chris Gayle, David Warner, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc have registered themselves amongst the top-priced players for Hundred Draft 2019. Earlier it was Harbhajan Singh who was also expected to join the inaugural edition of Hundred Draft but being an active cricketer the BCCI rules wouldn’t have allowed Bhajji to play in the tournament before announcing his retirement. Bhajji respected the laws and is no longer a part of the league. Talking about the present list, Universe Boss commanded the price of £125,000. Australian duo Steve Smith and David Warner also had the reserve price of £125,000. Harbhajan Singh Told He Can't Be Part of 'The Hundred' Draft: BCCI. 

As per the list, Mitchell Starc is the third Australian in the six-man group who will command a £125,000 ($159,400). “Teams will select 12 players on the night — with a maximum of three overseas picks — who will join the already-announced England red-ball contracted players and Local Icons,” the ECB said in a statement. Harbhajan Singh Likely to Announce International Retirement to Take Part in ‘The Hundred’ Tournament.

Many other players like Mohammad Azharullah, Richard Oliver, and Azeem Rafiq.who play county cricket have also entered the league. A few players changed their base price to fit into the league. Lungi Ngidi has removed his initial reserve price of £125,000, while Shahid Afridi has changed his down from £100,000 to £60,000.

Talking about the team structure, there will be eight city-based teams competing for the title over a 38-day period. Each inning will comprise 100 balls and the over will change after every 10 balls. Each bowler can deliver a maximum of 20 balls per game.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 17, 2019 09:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).