The teams owned by IPL will not consider any players from Pakistan during The Hundred 2026 Auction next month. This decision has created challenges for players, agents, and officials.
The tournament features four teams: Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds, all linked to IPL ownership. Sources indicate that these connections are affecting the selection of Pakistani players.
A senior official remarked that Pakistani players should seek opportunities with teams that have no ties to IPL owners. An agent described this as “an unwritten rule” applicable to leagues associated with IPL investors.
ECB’s Response Amid Growing Concerns
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated that the tournament is open to players from every nation. An ECB spokesperson mentioned: “The Hundred welcomes men’s and women’s players from around the world, and we expect the eight teams to reflect that.”
Richard Gould, ECB chief executive, previously expressed his belief that “players from all nations should be selected for all teams,” reinforcing the organization’s anti-discrimination stance.
Pakistani players like Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim have competed in the tournament, with earlier seasons featuring Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Haris Rauf. No Pakistani players have participated in the women’s side yet.
Wider Patterns in Franchise Cricket
This issue affects not only The Hundred but extends to other leagues as well. Pakistani players have also been excluded from SA20, another league associated with IPL franchises. Some teams in ILT20 have also opted not to sign Pakistani players.
However, teams without IPL ownership are open to signing Pakistani players. For example, Desert Vipers included several from Pakistan in their previous rosters.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has aimed to limit player participation overseas but has allowed some athletes to play in Australia’s Big Bash League.
Tom Moffat, chief of the World Cricketers’ Association, stated: “Every player should have the right to fair and equal opportunity.”
An agent added: “Our players do not seek favours; they seek a fair field.”
The upcoming auction will reveal whether Pakistani players will receive equal opportunities or continue to face restrictions linked to IPL ownership.
