Ellyse Perry to play for Birmingham Phoenix for a 5th season following the franchise’s decision to retain her.
The Birmingham Phoenix confirmed on Wednesday that Ellyse Perry would be returning for a sixth season in this year’s Women’s Hundred.
Since 2022, star Australian all-rounder Perry has played for Phoenix, scoring at a rate of 127.03 and amassing 545 runs. When called upon, he also contributes with the ball.
“I’m delighted to be returning to Birmingham Phoenix for the 2026 season,” Perry said. “The Hundred has been such a wonderful addition to the cricket landscape, and provided so many wonderful opportunities for the further development of the women’s game. The Phoenix has one of the most passionate fanbases in the competition, and it has been a true privilege to experience the home support at Edgbaston.”
Ali Maiden, Birmingham Phoenix Women’s Head Coach, said: “Ellyse is a once-in-a-generation talent whose impact extends far beyond the numbers on the scorecard. She embodies professionalism, skill and competitive spirit, and we’re incredibly proud she’ll be part of our Phoenix Women squad again in 2026.
“Her presence elevates everyone around her, and we know she’ll be pivotal to our campaign. We are aiming to recruit an exciting, athletic and energetic squad, so having somebody like Ellyse who embodies those characteristics is priceless for the long-term success of the Birmingham Phoenix.”
Perry, 35, and Annabel Sutherland, two prominent Australians, withdrew from the 2026 WPL, which begins on Friday, last month for personal reasons.
Perry was signed for INR 2 crore (£165,000/A$330,000) for this season after spending all three WPL seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). She is the second-highest run scorer in WPL history and was instrumental in RCB’s 2024 championship victory. After playing for the Gujarat Giants in the first edition, Sutherland has spent the last two seasons as a member of the Delhi Capitals. Prior to WPL 2026, she was first hired for INR 2.2 crore.
After losing the Eliminator against Oval Invincibles in the debut season of the Women’s Hundred in 2021, Birmingham Phoenix finished second from the bottom of the table in the previous two editions.
The Hundred will be the first to be funded by private financing this year. Before the first auctions in March, the eight men’s and women’s teams have until January 16 to confirm their retentions. Following England’s hosting of the Women’s T20 World Cup from June 12 to July 5 and the inaugural Women’s Test between England and India at Lord’s from July 10–13, the Women’s Hundred will take place from July 21 to August 16.