Freddie Flintoff has stepped down as head coach of The Hundred franchise Northern Superchargers, citing a salary offer he described as 'a quarter' of what other head coaches receive. The 47-year-old former England all-rounder joined the team in 2023 after recovering from a serious crash on the set of Top Gear.
Speaking on the Beard Before Wicket podcast, Flintoff explained his decision: 'I genuinely don't do it for the money – although it's nice – but I'm worth more than just over a quarter of the salary of other head coaches. We have new owners and I spoke to them and said: "Yeah, fine, make us an offer." I wasn't encouraged they wanted me anyway, and you want to feel valued.'
Flintoff, who also worked with the England Lions development squad, added: 'I felt we were building something over the last two years and I'd have loved to see it through.' The Northern Superchargers, based at Yorkshire's Headingley Stadium, were recently sold to The Sun Group, owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
Kaviya Maran, Head of Sports at Sun TV Network Limited, said: 'We're excited to have acquired the Northern Superchargers... Yorkshire's proud cricketing heritage, its passionate fan base, and the iconic Headingley Stadium make this a truly special opportunity.'
Flintoff is now expected to focus on his role with the England Lions, travelling to Australia this winter for a preparation match before the Ashes.
