ECB Assures No Nationality Bias in The Hundred Auction 2026, IPL-Linked Owners Pledge Fair Chance to Pakistan Cricketers
In a significant development ahead of the The Hundred auction 2026, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and all eight franchises have issued a joint statement confirming that no player will be excluded based on nationality. The assurance comes amid concerns that Pakistan cricketers might be overlooked by teams linked to Indian Premier League (IPL) owners.
Recent British media reports suggested that four franchises connected to IPL stakeholders could avoid selecting Pakistan players. These include Manchester Super Giants (owned by RPSG Group), MI London (Reliance Industries), Southern Brave (GMR Group), and Sunrisers Leeds (Sun Group). The speculation triggered fears of potential discrimination in cricket during the upcoming auction.
ECB Statement: Selection Based on Merit
Responding swiftly, the ECB and franchise owners reaffirmed their commitment to fairness and inclusion. In their official ECB statement, they emphasized that The Hundred auction 2026 will strictly follow principles of equality.
“The Hundred was established to grow the game and ensure everyone, regardless of ethnicity, gender, faith or nationality, feels they belong,” the statement read. “Players must not be excluded on the grounds of nationality.”
The board further clarified that regulations are in place to take strong action against any discriminatory conduct. All eight teams have committed to selecting players based solely on:
Cricketing performance
Availability
Team requirements
This clear position aims to reassure players and fans that merit will remain the sole deciding factor in team selection.
Pakistan Cricketers’ Participation in The Hundred
Historically, participation of Pakistan cricketers in The Hundred has been limited. Last season, only two players from Pakistan featured in the competition. Across the first five seasons, just nine Pakistani players have participated.
However, interest from Pakistan remains strong. A total of 67 male and female Pakistan players, including most of the men’s T20 World Cup squad, have registered for The Hundred auction 2026.
Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan recently expressed his desire to play in the tournament, reflecting the enthusiasm among players for global T20 opportunities.
IPL Ownership Links and Political Context
Pakistan players have not participated in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Similarly, no Pakistan cricketer has featured in South Africa’s SA20 league since its launch in 2023, as all teams are IPL-linked.
In the UAE’s ILT20 competition too, franchises connected to certain IPL owners have refrained from signing Pakistan players. These patterns had intensified concerns ahead of the The Hundred auction 2026.
England white-ball captain Harry Brook stated it would be disappointing if Pakistan players were left out. Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali also warned that excluding players based on nationality could potentially invite legal consequences.
Why This Matters Now
With new franchise owners taking operational control this season, transparency in selection has become crucial. Cricket is increasingly viewed as a global sport that transcends borders. Any perception of discrimination in cricket could harm the competition’s credibility and brand value.
As the The Hundred auction 2026 approaches, the ECB’s firm stance sends a strong message: talent and performance—not nationality—will shape the tournament’s future.
The joint pledge by the ECB and franchise owners marks an important step in safeguarding inclusivity in modern cricket. While past participation numbers show limited representation, the upcoming auction offers a fresh opportunity for Pakistan cricketers to compete on equal terms.
With global attention on team selections, all eyes will now be on whether the principles outlined in the ECB statement are fully reflected in the final squad lists.
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