Birmingham Phoenix: History and Profile of the Hundred Franchise

Origins

Birmingham Phoenix were one of the eight franchises announced in 2019 for The Hundred and made their debut in 2021. The team represents Birmingham and the West Midlands and plays at Edgbaston, the home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

The Hundred is an English franchise competition run by the England and Wales Cricket Board, first played in 2021. Each innings lasts 100 balls, and men’s and women’s sides from the same eight franchises play at shared venues.

Home ground: Edgbaston

Edgbaston has hosted Test cricket since 1902 and is known for loud, well-filled stands. It has a reputation for a strong atmosphere at big matches, and the ground has staged many memorable international fixtures, including a famously close Ashes Test in 2005.

In the Hundred era, it offers a large capacity and a festival atmosphere suited to the format.

Identity and branding

The phoenix, a mythical bird that rises from its own ashes, gives the team a striking symbol, while the name connects the franchise to the city. The branding is separate from Warwickshire’s own identity.

Record in the competition

The men’s team reached the final of the inaugural 2021 competition, where they lost to Southern Brave. The women’s team reached the final in 2022, again finishing as runners-up to Southern Brave. As of the end of 2024, the franchise had not won either title.

Squad building

Squads are assembled via an annual draft with player price bands and additional wildcard and replacement signings. This means the roster is different from season to season, so this page avoids naming current players, captains or coaches.

Why it matters

Phoenix have been competitive since the start, and appearing in finals within the first two seasons helped the franchise to establish itself quickly. Edgbaston remains one of the competition’s most atmospheric home venues.