In a move that underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in cricket, teams with Indian investment in the upcoming edition of The Hundred will not consider any players from Pakistan. The decision, described by sources as an “unwritten rule,” means that franchises such as Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and SunRisers Leeds four of the eight Hundred teams now partly owned by Indian investors will avoid signing cricketers from Pakistan.
This is not a new phenomenon. Pakistani players have not featured in the Indian Premier League since 2009, and similarly, none have played in South Africa’s SA20 league, all of which have IPL-linked ownership. While the ECB maintains that The Hundred is open to men’s and women’s cricketers from around the globe, the practical impact of Indian investments on player selection is evident.
Deputy Chair of Manchester Super Giants, James Sheridan, emphasised that their priority is assembling the strongest squad possible. Meanwhile, ECB officials reiterated that they expect global participation, noting that nearly 1,000 players from 18 countries have registered for the upcoming auction, including talent from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, and the West Indies.
Historically, Pakistani players like Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim appeared in The Hundred before the change in ownership, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Haris Rauf featuring in earlier editions. However, no Pakistani women have participated to date.
The World Cricketers’ Association has called for fair and equal opportunity, stressing that recruitment decisions should respect principles of equality and non-discrimination. Analysts note that while owners retain autonomy in selection, patterns excluding specific nations could raise questions about inclusivity in global leagues.
As the auction approaches, the cricket world watches closely to see if the mix of geopolitics and business continues to shape who gets the chance to compete in one of England’s most high-profile tournaments.
