Three days after winning the T20 Blast with The Blaze, Grace Ballinger previews the 2026 Hundred, which launches Tuesday with new team names, kits, and IPL-backed owners. The tournament's first privatised edition sees all eight teams independently owned after host counties sold stakes. MI London and Sunrisers Leeds open at The Oval.

Privatisation brings a massive salary boost for women players. Ballinger's pay jumps from £16,000 to £42,500. Management shifts from ECB control to franchises, evident in varied kit brands. Sunrisers Leeds, formerly Northern Superchargers, rebranded after a £100m Sun Group takeover, adopting orange kits and an entirely new squad — retaining zero players from their 2025 title-winning women's side.

Ballinger moves to Manchester Super Giants (ex-Manchester Originals), eager to work under coach Matthew Mott and captain Meg Lanning. With just two days between the T20 Blast final and the Hundred opener, teams have minimal preparation. Ballinger hopes the tournament continues elevating women's cricket and targets a Super Giants double.