Cricket’s Indo-Pak rivalry spilled over into The Hundred this week, prompting a swift rebuttal from organizers. Speculation ran rife that Indian investors owning four teams—Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds—would overlook Pakistani hopefuls in the player auction, echoing the IPL’s long-standing embargo since 2008.
Breaking its silence, the ECB, in tandem with franchise owners, released a robust joint declaration on Tuesday. Labeling the claims baseless, it affirmed: ‘Players will not be excluded on nationality grounds. Our governing body is dedicated to an inclusive environment, with strict rules against discrimination.’
The Hundred, ECB’s innovative 100-ball format, seeks to attract diverse audiences and foster cricket’s growth. With 67 Pakistanis in the auction pool, the statement stressed merit-based picks: performance, availability, and squad needs only.
Historically, Pakistani presence in The Hundred has been sparse—just two last season and nine total in five years. This development could mark a turning point, signaling ECB’s resolve to prioritize sporting integrity over external pressures. As auctions near, stakeholders hope for a level playing field that boosts the tournament’s international flavor and fan engagement.