England star all-rounder Ben Stokes was signed up by Leeds-based Northern Superchargers franchise, while Test skipper Joe Root was picked up by Nottingham-based Trent Rockets as The Hundred was officially launched on Thursday.

The eight franchises for the newly conceptualized 100 ball tournament were named and the first batch of players allocated, including England’s centrally-contracted Test contingent.

The 100-ball competition, starting in 2020, is a new tournament consisting of city-based franchise sides, something different than England’s traditional county system.

Each Teams will bat for 100 balls each with overs, normally consisting of six deliveries, lasting for 10 balls with bowlers either bowling five or 10 balls consecutively.

Stokes, who played a pivotal role in England's World Cup campaign and in the Ashes, will play for the Headingley side Northern Superchargers while Root, who plays county cricket in Leeds for Yorkshire, was picked up by Nottingham-based Trent Rockets.

Jofra Archer will spearhead the Southern Brave bowling attack, Jos Buttler will play for Manchester Originals, Chris Woakes represents Birmingham Phoenix and Sam Curran joins brother Tom at Oval Invincibles.

Each team were also able to pick up two “icon” players from their local area, as well as the first two representatives of their women’s side.