ECB Warns Teams Against Snubbing Pakistan Players in Hundred Auction

The England and Wales Cricket Board has issued a pre-emptive warning to all eight franchises ahead of The Hundred’s inaugural player auction on 11-12 March, reminding them that any evidence of selection bias against Pakistan cricketers could trigger disciplinary proceedings.

The move follows a BBC report that the four Indian-owned sides – Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds – will not pursue Pakistan players because of the long-standing political tensions between India and Pakistan. Those four outfits make up half of the competition, leaving London Spirit, Birmingham Phoenix, Trent Rockets and Welsh Fire as the only franchises without IPL backing.

In a statement released earlier this week the ECB stressed that The Hundred “is open to players from anywhere” and has now followed up with an email to every team reiterating that obligation. Should concrete evidence of nationality-based exclusion emerge, cases can be referred to the independent Cricket Regulator or be dealt with through separate ECB channels.

A total of 67 Pakistan players – 63 men and four women – have entered the auction, headlined by fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, plus all-rounder Shadab Khan. Only two Pakistan cricketers, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, appeared in the 2025 edition, the final tournament before private investment was introduced.

England white-ball captain Harry Brook, set to turn out for Indian-owned Sunrisers this summer, voiced his disappointment at the prospect of Pakistan stars being left on the sidelines: “Pakistan have been a great cricket nation for many years. There’s some amazing cricketers and they bring some great crowds as well. It would be a shame to not see some of the Pakistan players in there and make this tournament and competition even better.”

The ECB’s intervention ensures the issue will remain under close scrutiny when bidding begins in London next month.