The England and Wales Cricket Board has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive selection in The Hundred amid reports that Pakistani players may face exclusion from teams linked to Indian owners. The controversy highlights tensions in global cricket influenced by India-Pakistan relations. Franchises pledge to base picks on merit alone.
A controversy has emerged surrounding the upcoming player auction for The Hundred, a franchise cricket league in the United Kingdom organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Reports from British media, including the BBC, suggest that four teams partially owned by Indian businesses—Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds—may not consider Pakistani players due to an 'unwritten rule' in leagues with Indian investment. These owners also hold stakes in Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises.
The ECB responded with a joint statement alongside all eight franchises, emphasizing inclusivity. "The England and Wales Cricket Board and all eight of The Hundred team franchises reaffirm their commitment to ensuring The Hundred continues to be a competition that is inclusive, welcoming and open to all," the statement read. It added that selection will depend solely on "cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team," with regulations to address discrimination. "Players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality."
Sixty-seven Pakistani players have registered for the men's auction, including fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, as well as batter Sahibzada Farhan, the leading run-scorer at the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup. For the women's auction, participants include captain Fatima Sana and bowler Sadia Iqbal. Farhan expressed optimism: "I am hopeful of being picked up. Everyone wants to play the best leagues. The Hundred is one of the best leagues. Let’s hope for the best."
Historically, Pakistani participation has been limited; only two played last year, and nine across five seasons. Similar patterns exist in other IPL-linked leagues like South Africa's SA20 and the UAE's ILT20, where no Pakistani players have been signed. Legal experts note potential breaches of the UK's Equality Act 2010 on race discrimination. England captain Harry Brook called exclusion disappointing, while Moeen Ali warned of legal risks.
The women's auction is set for March 11, 2026, and the men's for March 12, covered live on the league's website. The ECB has warned franchises of action against discriminatory practices, aiming to uphold cricket's global ethos.