With theThe Hundred 2026 player auctionapproaching onMarch 11–12in London, theEngland and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)and all eight franchises have released a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to non-discriminatory player selection. This comes amid widespread reports — including fromBBC Sport— that four franchises linked to IPL owners (Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds) might avoid signing Pakistani players, potentially freezing them out due to geopolitical tensions.
In response, the ECB made it clear thatplayers must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality, stressing that selection decisions should be made solely oncricketing performance, player availability and team requirements. The statement underlined that there is“no place for discrimination”in The Hundred and that regulations are in place to tackle any conduct that could undermine inclusivity within the tournament.
The 100-ball competition has increasingly attracted international talent, with67 Pakistani cricketers — including stars like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah — having registered for the auction. Pakistani players have long been absent from the IPL due to political tensions, leading to concerns that similar patterns might surface in The Hundred as IPL ownership stakes grow. The ECB’s statement aims to reassure players and fans that merit and sporting fairness will guide selections, reinforcing The Hundred’s positioning as an inclusive, global cricket event.
