The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and all eight franchises of The Hundred have issued a joint statement confirming that Pakistani players will not be excluded from the competition based on their nationality. This official clarification follows widespread reports suggesting that the four franchises with Indian Premier League (IPL) ownership—MI London, Manchester Super Giants, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds—might avoid bidding on Pakistani talent in the upcoming March 2026 auction due to geopolitical sensitivities. In a firm response to these rumors, the ECB emphasized that the tournament was founded on principles of inclusivity and that any “shadow ban” or discrimination based on a player’s country of origin would violate the league’s core regulations.
The joint statement asserts that all selection decisions for the 2026 season will be based strictly on three criteria: cricketing performance, player availability, and specific squad requirements. With 67 Pakistani cricketers, including stars like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Ali Agha, registered for the draft, the governing body has warned that it has robust measures in place to tackle any discriminatory conduct. While the ECB does not directly control who a team chooses to buy, the public pledge from all eight owners—including those with IPL ties—aims to reassure fans and athletes that the auction will remain a fair marketplace. The move is seen as a vital step in protecting the tournament’s reputation as a global platform that features the best talent from around the world without political interference.
