Aiden Markram Ruled Out of The Hundred; Jos Buttler to Captain Manchester Super Giants

Manchester Super Giants have been dealt a significant blow after captain Aiden Markram returned to South Africa due to personal reasons, ruling him out for the remainder of The Hundred 2026.

The franchise confirmed the news on Wednesday, expressing its support for the South African all-rounder during a difficult period."Manchester Super Giants can confirm that men's captain Aiden Markram has returned to South Africa due to personal reasons. 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 club said in an official statement.

Buttler Takes Charge

England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler has been appointed stand-in captain for the remainder of the tournament.

Buttler captained Manchester during the franchise's Originals era in the first three editions of The Hundred and now returns to a leadership role for the first time since stepping down as England's white-ball captain following the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

His first assignment will be Wednesday's crucial fixture against Welsh Fire at Emirates Old Trafford, with Manchester looking to revive their playoff hopes after a difficult run of results.

Bracewell Signed as Replacement

Manchester have moved quickly to fill the gap left by Markram by signing New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell.

Bracewell recently represented Lahore Qalandars in the Global Super League and featured for Southern Brave during last year's edition of The Hundred. While he is unlikely to arrive in time for Wednesday's match, he is expected to be available for Manchester's final two league-stage fixtures.

Markram's Campaign Cut Short

Markram was appointed captain after the player auction in March and became the inaugural men's skipper of Manchester Super Giants following the franchise's rebranding.

The team's campaign began brightly with back-to-back victories before three consecutive defeats halted their momentum. Markram's own performances reflected that inconsistency. After scoring only 67 runs across his first four innings, he returned to form with a well-made half-century against Oval Invincibles on Sunday.

Just as he appeared to be finding rhythm with the bat, his unexpected departure has left Manchester without their captain during a crucial stage of the competition.

Squad Set for First Change

Markram's absence also forces Manchester to make their first change to the playing XI this season, having fielded the same side in each of their opening five matches.

The squad still boasts several unused players, including Tawanda Muyeye, Max Holden, Paul Walter, Tom Hartley, James Sales, George Scrimshaw, and Adam Finch, giving the management multiple options as they look to strengthen the side for the run-in.

Playoff Push Begins

With Buttler taking over the captaincy and Bracewell expected to join the squad shortly, Manchester Super Giants will hope to regain momentum in the closing stages of the league phase.

Their remaining fixtures will be crucial as they attempt to overcome the loss of their captain and secure a place in the knockout rounds.

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