MI London have retained Rashid Khan and signed Nicholas Pooran for their men's team, while Welsh Fire have added Freya Kemp and Rachin Ravindra for the 2026 Hundred season. The moves come as teams finalize their direct signings ahead of the auction, a new addition for this year's competition.

MI, formerly Oval Invincibles, have built a strong core by also retaining England internationals Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sam Curran, and Will Jacks. Fire's acquisitions include New Zealand's Melie Kerr and West Indies' Hayley Matthews for their women's side, alongside Australian all-rounder Georgia Wareham, aiming to reset their squad after recent campaigns.

The signings provide both franchises with experienced, high-impact players ahead of the March auction. MI's chair Oli Slipper called the additions a "terrific backbone," while Fire's general manager Mark Wallace said they offer a "fantastic base" to build from. These early moves set the stage for competitive squad construction.