ECB Warns IPL-Owned Franchises Against Ignoring Pakistan Players at The Hundred Auction

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has formally written to all eight franchises participating in The Hundred, reminding them of their responsibilities amid reports that Indian-owned teams could overlook Pakistan players at next month’s auction.

According to a BBC report earlier this week, Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds are not expected to consider Pakistan cricketers at The Hundred auction scheduled for March 11–12.

On Sunday, the ECB sent an email to all eight teams warning that action would be taken if there is any evidence of discrimination, including ignoring players based on nationality. If proof of discrimination emerges, the issue will likely be referred to the independent Cricket Regulator.

The ECB, which oversees the 100-ball competition, could also take separate action.

Longstanding geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan have affected cricket relations for years. Pakistan players have effectively been banned from the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2009.

Opportunities for Pakistan players have become even more limited as several IPL franchise owners have acquired teams in other leagues, including South Africa’s SA20 and the ILT20 in the United Arab Emirates.

A total of 67 Pakistan players, 63 men and four women, have entered next month’s Hundred auction. Notable names include Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah.

There are 964 players registered for the auction. Each franchise must submit a list of 75 to 100 players they are interested in, after which the ECB will narrow the group to around 200 players for the final auction pool.

No Pakistan players were selected at last year’s auction, which took place before the new investors assumed control of the franchises. However, left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim later joined as replacements.

Last year’s absence of Pakistan players was largely due to a busy international schedule that made many unavailable for parts of the tournament. A similar situation exists this year. Pakistan is scheduled to play two Test matches in the West Indies during The Hundred, which runs from July 21 to August 16. Pakistan will also play the first of three Tests against England three days after The Hundred final.

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