MI London Secure Curran, Jacks and Wyatt-Hodge as New Era Takes Shape

MI London have confirmed the retention of England all-rounders Sam Curran and Will Jacks for the 2026 men’s Hundred, while also announcing the signing of England batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge for the women’s competition. The moves underline the franchise’s intent to build around established international talent following its recent transition from the Oval Invincibles identity.

Curran, 27, will captain MI London in the upcoming season, taking on leadership responsibilities as the club looks to define its direction under new ownership. A proven performer across formats, Curran’s elevation to captain reflects both his experience and his standing within England’s white-ball setup. He has been a central figure in recent domestic and international campaigns, valued for his ability to influence games with both bat and ball.

Will Jacks remains an important part of the men’s squad, retained for his power-hitting and versatility. Jacks has become a sought-after option in short-format cricket, capable of opening the batting or contributing as a spin option. His aggressive approach fits the demands of the Hundred, where rapid scoring and adaptability are at a premium.

Both Curran and Jacks have also been named in England’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be staged across India and Sri Lanka next month. Their selection highlights their current form and reinforces MI London’s strategy of anchoring the team around players competing at the highest international level. The overlap between international commitments and domestic tournaments remains a challenge, but franchises increasingly value players who can bring global experience into high-pressure matches.

On the women’s side, the signing of Danni Wyatt-Hodge adds considerable firepower. Wyatt-Hodge arrives from Southern Brave and brings a wealth of experience as England women’s leading T20 run-scorer. Known for her aggressive stroke play at the top of the order, she has been a consistent presence in England’s limited-overs teams and a standout performer in domestic competitions.

MI London officials believe Wyatt-Hodge’s experience and leadership qualities will be crucial as the women’s squad aims to challenge for honours. Her move is seen as a statement signing, signaling ambition in a competition where margins are fine and depth of batting often decides outcomes.

The rebranded franchise, previously known as Oval Invincibles, is entering a period of transition as it establishes a new identity within The Hundred. Retaining familiar faces while adding proven winners is part of a broader plan to maintain continuity on the field while evolving off it. Supporters will be watching closely to see how the new name and leadership structure translate into performances.

Curran’s captaincy will be one of the key storylines of the season. While he has captained at various levels before, leading a Hundred franchise brings unique pressures, from managing specialist roles to handling tactical decisions in a condensed format. Those close to the team say his calm demeanor and game awareness make him well suited to the task.

With a blend of established internationals and format-specific skills, MI London appear well positioned ahead of the 2026 campaign. As preparations continue and squads take shape across the league, the franchise’s early moves suggest a clear focus on experience, leadership, and attacking intent.