East England all-rounder Moeen Ali A strict warning has been issued to the organizers of HundredIn which it has been said that if Indian owned franchises deliberately boycott Pakistan cricketers then the players will take action. Speaking on February 23, 2026, Moeen expressed deep concern over reports that newly privatized teams of the tournament, especially IPL-affiliated teams, may impose a ‘shadow ban’ during the upcoming March auction. With 63 Pakistani players registered for the draft, the potential boycott has sparked fierce debate over the integrity of English cricket’s premier competition and the impact of foreign private investment.
“Things like this have been happening for centuries”: Moeen Ali
The controversy centers on four franchises recently acquired by IPL-related entities: Manchester Super Giants (RPSG), MI London (Reliance), Southern Brave (GMR), and sunrisers leads (Sun Group).
Several media reports suggest an ‘unwritten rule’. It is in the game where these teams, following the precedent set by their parent IPL organisations, will not bid for Pakistan’s talent. Moeen highlighted that players often remain silent to avoid ‘getting in trouble’ with the powerful global owners who control leagues everywhere, but the possibility of this trend entering the UK is unacceptable. He explained that the silence stemmed from a fear that speaking out could impact the player’s career, but urged that the time for a solution is now as the current situation is “not fair” and “terrible”.
“Things like this have been happening for centuries, now is the time for a solution, because it’s not fair – it’s clearly discriminating against certain types of people. It’s horrible. I find it strange that no one really talks about it very much. Especially at the top, no one really mentions it. People are not speaking about it so they don’t get in trouble. It’s very difficult, because there are all these teams everywhere in every league. So now if players It’s a difficult situation for players when they speak out, or if they say anything, you don’t really care much. News18 quoted Moeen as saying.
ECB reminds all eight franchises of mandatory anti-discrimination duties
In response to increasing pressure, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) It has reportedly taken the step of writing to all eight franchises to remind them of their mandatory anti-discrimination responsibilities. The tournament is under the jurisdiction of the independent cricket regulator, and the ECB has warned that any evidence of a blanket ban based on nationality will be investigated.
\Moeen said that while other countries may operate differently, the UK has a more robust system to address these concerns. Franchises now face a complex dilemma: maintain their domestic political stance or risk a head-on confrontation with the UK’s strict regulatory and legal framework regarding fair employment and selection.
“In the UK, I’m not sure that could happen – and I hope it doesn’t. It shouldn’t happen, hopefully it won’t. We’ll just have to wait and see if that happens, but I think it would be a big shame, and I’m sure the ECB will certainly keep an eye on it. There will be a group of players who will speak out. Things will be done about it. I think the players should speak out. Anyone who has any say in this kind of thing will Concerns about – it doesn’t matter if they have Pakistani heritage – should speak up. Moeen added.
United front against discrimination against Pakistani players in The Hundred
Moeen Ali didn’t mince words when discussing the impact of these reports, predicting that a significant group of players would lead a public protest if the insult were to be carried out. He stressed that the issue goes beyond legacy, calling on all players with concerns to raise their voices.
Moeen hopes it will encourage other cricketers to prioritize fairness over professional security, especially when the news is still “very new” and the full extent of franchise strategies has not yet been seen in the auction room. His decision serves as a preemptive strike against any attempt to bring external political bias into the English domestic summer.
“Obviously, the news is very new. So I haven’t really had a chance to talk to anyone, but most players will be on the same page. It will be really interesting to see what happens, because I really think other countries can do what they want, obviously we don’t have control over those things, but in the UK, we have a bit more of a say in these things.” Moeen concluded.
