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LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has issued a formal reminder to all eight franchises of The Hundred regarding their obligations, following reports that Pakistan players could be overlooked by teams with Indian Premier League (IPL)-linked ownership at next month’s auction.
According to English media, the ECB circulated an email on Sunday stressing that any form of discrimination, including decisions influenced by nationality, would invite action.
It is understood that if credible evidence emerges, the matter could be referred to the independent Cricket Regulator, while the ECB may also pursue separate measures as the governing body of the 100-ball competition.
The move follows a report earlier this week claiming that Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds may opt against considering Pakistan players at the March 11–12 auction.
The issue has once again highlighted the broader geopolitical tensions that have impacted cricketing ties between India and Pakistan for over a decade.
Pakistan players have not featured in the IPL since 2009, and their participation in other leagues has narrowed as IPL team owners have expanded into tournaments such as SA20 in South Africa and the ILT20 in the UAE.
For the upcoming edition of The Hundred, 67 Pakistan players, 63 men and four women, have entered the auction pool. The list includes high-profile names such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.
In total, 964 players have registered for the draft. Franchises are required to submit a preferred list of 75 to 100 names, with the ECB trimming the overall pool to a shortlist of around 200 players set to go under the hammer.
Notably, no Pakistan players were picked in last year’s auction, although Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim later featured as replacement signings.
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