Rashid Khan returns to Trent Rockets for The Hundred in 2021 as quartet are retained

The Afghanistan spinner was the No.1 pick in the draft for the inagural edition and remains in place. Alex Hales, Katherine Brunt and Elyse Villani are also staying put

• First 18 players for The Hundred 2021 confirmed
• The Hundred reveals details of player retention process after postponement
• Women's contracts for 2021 retained

Trent Rockets have confirmed the retention of Rashid Khan for the inaugural edition of The Hundred in 2021.

The Afghanistan spinner was the No.1 pick at last year's draft and remains in the top price band, re-adjusted for next year at £100,000.

Rashid is the first overseas player to be confirmed for the 100-ball competition, which was postponed this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"It was a very proud moment for me and for my country to be the first man picked in The Hundred," he said.

"As soon as I heard about The Hundred I was super excited to play and I am very pleased that I have been able to stay at Trent Rockets."

Nottinghamshire's Alex Hales will also stay with the Trent Bridge-based side, alongside England Test captain Joe Root, who had previously been confirmed.

The eight teams have until the end of January to negotiate terms with their 15-strong 2020 squad.

Players can move up and down the salary bands, which have been downsized from the original draft. Any individual who has not agreed to terms by the end of the window is released and made available in the draft.

^{Elyse Villani links up with England pair Katherine Brunt and Nat Sciver, whom she plays with at WBBL side Melbourne Stars}

Squads for the women's competition are also taking shape. Rockets have retained the services of England's all-time wicket-taker Katherine Brunt and Australia batter Elyse Villani.

The duo join Nat Sciver in confirming to return for 2021.

“It was a very easy decision to re-sign for Trent Rockets," said Villani, who is currently playing alongside Brunt and Sciver for Melbourne Stars in the Women's Big Bash. 

"It’s awesome to reconnect with Nat and Kat – over the years playing together you get to know them as people and develop friendships and connections and they’re two of the best people to play in a cricket team with.

"As a player, it’s amazing to be able to challenge yourself against the best, and it makes you a better player. When you’ve got the best talent from around the world in a competition it almost sells itself."

All female players with a Hundred contract can choose to roll-over their deals on identical terms.