ECB issues warning over Hundred franchises snubbing Pakistani players
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and all eight Hundred franchises have insisted that players must not be excluded based on nationality, following reports that Indian-owned teams might avoid signing Pakistani cricketers.
The BBC reported last week that Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds would not consider signing Pakistani players for the competition amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.
“The Hundred was established to reach new audiences, grow the game of cricket and ensure that everyone – regardless of their ethnicity, gender, faith, nationality or other – can feel they belong in our sport,” they said in a statement.
“Players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality. All eight teams commit to selection being based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team.”
The player auction is scheduled for March 11-12 in London, with 67 Pakistan players having registered, including fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, according to the BBC.
Pakistan players have been effectively barred from the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2009.
The Hundred, the only cricket league in the world that uses the 100-ball format, will be held from July 21 to August 16 and was opened to private investment this year, with four franchises acquired by IPL owners.
Earlier this month, the Pakistan cricket team had planned to boycott their T20 World Cup clash against India in Colombo.
The initial boycott followed Bangladesh’s expulsion from the tournament for refusing games in India.
After negotiations with government and tournament officials, they agreed to call it off and play the game.
A statement on X said: “In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan national cricket team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
“This decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations.
“The Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan extend their best wishes to the ‘Men in Green’. We remain confident that our team will carry the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride onto the field as they compete for global glory.”
India went on to win the game by 67 runs.