The Hundred News - Aiden Markrams returns to SA for personal reasons

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 3 hours ago

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Simon Lewis 3 hours ago

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Manchester Super Giants skipper will miss the rest of The Hundred season.
Markram has returned to South Africa for personal reasons.
Jos Buttler has taken over the captaincy duties for the remainder of the season.

Aiden Markram will miss the rest of The Hundred season for personal reasons (Getty Images).

Aiden Markram leaves The Hundred early

Aiden Markram leaves The Hundred early
Super Giants started 2026 season in good form
Jos Buttler takes over the captain’s armband
Bracewell to help Super Giants' playoff push

Manchester Super Giants will be without Aiden Markram for the remainder of The Hundred after the Proteas T20I captain returned to South Africa for personal reasons.

The franchise confirmed the development on Wednesday, with former England white-ball captain Jos Buttler set to take over the leadership duties for the rest of the campaign. New Zealand allrounder Michael Bracewell has been brought in as Markram’s replacement.

“Manchester Super Giants can confirm that men's captain Aiden Markram has returned to South Africa due to personal reasons,” the franchise said on Wednesday.

“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.”

Super Giants started 2026 season in good form

Markram was named Manchester Super Giants captain after the player auction in March and led the team through their first five matches of the season. The Super Giants made a strong start under him, winning their opening two games, but they have since lost three in a row to slip into a difficult position on the points table.

The South African batter had a mixed tournament with the bat. He scored 67 runs across his first four innings before finding form with a half-century against MI London at The Oval on Sunday night. He ends his campaign with 117 runs from five matches.

Markram is part of all three Super Giants franchises, having represented Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, Durban’s Super Giants in SA20 and Manchester Super Giants in The Hundred.

Jos Buttler takes over the captain’s armband

Buttler will take charge for the Super Giants’ remaining fixtures, starting with the clash against the Welsh Fire at Old Trafford on Wednesday. It marks Buttler’s first captaincy role since stepping down as England’s white-ball captain after the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The wicketkeeper-batter has been in outstanding form this season, scoring 226 runs in five matches at an average of 112. Manchester will hope his strong batting form can carry into his leadership role as they attempt to revive their playoff challenge.

Bracewell, 35, arrives after recently playing for Lahore Qalandars in the Global Super League. He also featured in The Hundred for Southern Brave last season, although he had limited impact during that campaign.

Bracewell to help Super Giants' playoff push

The New Zealand allrounder is not expected to arrive in time for the Welsh Fire match, but he is set to be available for Manchester’s final two group fixtures as the team continues its push for a knockout place.

Markram’s exit means Manchester will be forced into their first change of the season, having used the same playing XI across their first five matches. Their unused squad members include Tawanda Muyeye, Max Holden, Paul Walter, Tom Hartley, James Sales, George Scrimshaw and Adam Finch.

The Super Giants now face a crucial finish to the group stage. With two wins and three defeats from five matches, they need a strong response if they are to remain in contention for the playoffs.