ECB Responds to Pakistani Players' Selection Concerns in The Hundred

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said Tuesday that Pakistani players will not be discriminated against in selection for The Hundred, despite reports suggesting they could be overlooked because of political tensions with India.

It was reported last week that four Indian-owned franchises in the eight-team competition, Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds, were not considering Pakistani players for next month’s draft.

In response to the reports, the ECB released a statement reaffirming its position.

“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 said.

“All eight teams commit to selection being based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team.”

A total of 67 Pakistani players, 63 men and four women, have entered the draft pool. The player draft is scheduled to take place in London on March 11 and 12, where franchises will finalize their squads.

Pakistani players have not participated in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2009 due to diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.

With several IPL owners now holding stakes in franchises across multiple international leagues, concerns have grown that opportunities for Pakistani cricketers in other competitions could be further limited.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan was among those urging the ECB to address the rumors. He said that because the ECB owns the league, it must take action if any discrimination occurs.

Vaughan also referenced the ECB’s stated goal of making cricket the most inclusive sport in England, arguing that inclusivity cannot coexist with discriminatory practices.

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