SPORTS DESK (MNN); A controversy has emerged in the United Kingdom’s franchise cricket league The Hundred over reports that some teams partially owned by Indian businesses may not consider Pakistani players in the upcoming draft.
Four of the eight teams in The Hundred, which is organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board, are co-owned by companies that also hold franchises in the Indian Premier League. Media reports last week claimed that Pakistani cricketers would not be shortlisted by these four teams during the player auction scheduled for March.
The reports triggered widespread criticism across the cricket community, with current and former players urging the ECB to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process. According to the BBC, a sports agent was informed by an ECB official that Pakistani players on his client list would not be considered by teams linked to the IPL. Another agent described the situation as an “unwritten rule” in T20 leagues involving Indian investment.
In response, the England and Wales Cricket Board issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity. The board said all eight franchises had pledged that selections would be based solely on cricketing merit, availability and team requirements. It stressed that The Hundred was created to broaden cricket’s appeal and ensure that players of all ethnicities, genders, faiths and nationalities feel welcome in the sport.
The ECB also emphasized that strict regulations are in place to address discrimination and clearly stated that players must not be excluded on the basis of nationality.
Pakistani batter Sahibzada Farhan said team selection rests with franchises but expressed hope of being picked after registering for the draft. Farhan, currently among the top performers at the ICC T20 World Cup, said players are ready to compete wherever opportunities arise. He described The Hundred as one of the world’s leading leagues and said he remained optimistic.
A total of 67 Pakistani players have registered for the upcoming auction. They include fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, along with Farhan, Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub.
In the women’s category, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, top-ranked T20 bowler Sadia Iqbal, all-rounder Diana Baig and wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali have signed up for the draft.
Last year’s edition featured two Pakistani players, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, while several others have participated in previous seasons.
Although the ECB retains full ownership and regulatory control of The Hundred, it sold stakes in the competition last year to investors from India and the United States to raise funds for England’s domestic cricket structure. Teams such as Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds are co-owned by Indian businesses that also operate franchises in the IPL.
