England’s limited-overs captain Harry Brook has expressed concern over reports that Pakistan players may be excluded from the Hundred 2026 auction by franchises owned by Indian owners. Speaking at the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 21, 2026, Brook highlighted that missing out on such talent could harm the competition’s standard and global appeal.
‘It would be a shame’: England captain Harry Brook calls for inclusivity
Just before England’s crucial Super 8s match against Sri Lanka, the 26-year-old captain emphasized the necessity of including the best players, regardless of their nationality. Brook praised Pakistan’s cricketing talent and the unique excitement they bring to tournaments.
“Pakistan has been a great Cricket nation for many years and has some outstanding players, among the best in the world. There are about 50 or 60 players in the auction, and it would be a shame not to see some of them there. They attract great crowds and enhance the tournament’s quality,” Brook said, as reported by BBC Sports.
The issue arose after a BBC Sport investigation revealed that four franchises recently bought by Indian Premier League (IPL) owners—Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds—may not consider Pakistan players in the auction scheduled for March 11–12.
The Hundred 2026: Brook’s new role at Sunrisers Leeds
Despite this ownership controversy, Brook is set to lead Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers). He is expected to become the tournament’s highest-paid player with a salary of £465,000 (approximately ₹5.26 crore), yet he has decided to step down from captaincy to concentrate more on his batting and International responsibilities.
“I’m stepping back from that role and will let the head coach take charge. My main focus right now is the T20 World Cup,” Brook stated.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has also voiced his concerns, urging the ECB to act quickly. Vaughan expressed on social media that “the ECB needs to act fast… they own the league, and this should not be allowed. The most inclusive sport in the country should not permit such exclusions.” With the auction approaching, pressure is building on the ECB to uphold their anti-discrimination policies.
