Markram Withdraws from Hundred as Buttler Takes Super Giants Reins

Manchester Super Giants have been dealt a significant blow with the news that Aiden Markram has returned to South Africa due to personal reasons, ruling him out of the remainder of the Hundred. The franchise confirmed on Wednesday that the South African batter will not feature in their remaining group-stage fixtures, with New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell arriving as his replacement.

In a separate development, Jos Buttler will assume the captaincy effective immediately, taking over from Markram. Buttler will lead the side for the first time on Wednesday afternoon against Welsh Fire at Emirates Old Trafford. The former England white-ball captain previously led the Manchester franchise across the first three seasons of the Hundred, but this marks his first captaincy role since stepping down from the national side’s leadership after the 2025 Champions Trophy.

A Season of Mixed Returns

Markram’s tenure as captain, which began after his appointment in the March auction, has yielded a mixed return. The Super Giants opened their campaign with two consecutive victories but have since suffered three straight defeats. Markram’s personal form mirrored the team’s inconsistency: he managed just 67 runs across his first four innings before finally finding his touch with a half-century at The Oval on Sunday night.

“Everyone at the Super Giants would like to extend our very best wishes to Aiden at this time, and thank him for his contribution to the team during this year’s competition,” the franchise said in a statement.

Bracewell Arrives as Replacement

Bracewell, 35, brings considerable experience to the role, having recently featured for Lahore Qalandars in the Global Super League. He also played for Southern Brave in last year’s Hundred, though his impact was limited. The New Zealander is not expected to arrive in time for Wednesday’s fixture but will be available for the Super Giants’ final two group games as they push for a play-off berth.

The departure of Markram forces Manchester into their first change of the season. Head coach and management have fielded an unchanged XI across their five matches to date, with unused squad members including Tawanda Muyeye, Max Holden, Paul Walter, Tom Hartley, James Sales, George Scrimshaw and Adam Finch.

The Super Giants, currently on a three-match losing streak, will hope Buttler’s return to the captaincy role can reignite their campaign. They face Welsh Fire on Wednesday afternoon at Old Trafford.

                                               

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