Organizers warn Indian-owned cricket teams in The Hundred not to freeze out Pakistani players

LONDON — Tournament organizers and franchises reiterated Tuesday that The Hundred is an “inclusive” and “open to all” competition, responding to suggestions that Indian-owned sides could decline to select Pakistani players.

The England and Wales Cricket Board-backed 100-ball tournament, now in its third season, has come under scrutiny after speculation arose that some franchises with Indian ownership ties might avoid drafting cricketers from Pakistan. Officials moved quickly to insist that every player who enters the draft is available for selection and that no nationality-based exclusions will be tolerated.

A brief statement released Tuesday said the league and its clubs “remain committed to providing opportunities for players from every cricketing nation,” underscoring the event’s founding principle of global representation. No specific franchises were named in the discussion, and no disciplinary measures were announced.

The Hundred’s player selection process is conducted through an open draft system designed to ensure competitive balance and broad international appeal. Organizers stressed that all teams are expected to engage with the draft in good faith and without discriminatory practices.

The league has previously featured Pakistani stars such as Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan, and officials indicated they hope to see similar high-profile signings continue in future editions.

The ECB, which oversees the competition, did not elaborate on how it would monitor adherence to the inclusive-selection policy, but sources close to the board said compliance will be reviewed ahead of the next player auction.

The Hundred, featuring eight city-based teams, runs through August and serves as a flagship event in English cricket’s domestic calendar.

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