After speculations surfaced that Pakistan players would be ignored in the next season of The Hundred, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has made things very clear. The ECB has reportedly sent a strong message to all eight teams, including the Indian owners.
No discrimination against Pakistani players in The Hundred!!
It is being said that more than 60 Pakistani cricketers have given their names for the upcoming player auction for the next edition of the 100-ball tournament. But there was a fear that the four teams associated with Indian investors might not select him.
This created a huge noise and many people became worried. This prompted the ECB to take immediate action. According to the BBC report, the ECB has reminded every franchise about its rules. The board has clearly told all eight teams that they will have to follow anti-discrimination policies. They want players from every country to get fair opportunities.
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Last year, England and Wales Cricket Board CEO Richard Gould said he hoped “players from all countries will be selected for all teams” in The Hundred, citing “explicit anti-discrimination policies” made mandatory for the competition.
Impact of IPL on English cricket!
This issue became bigger due to the past history related to India and Pakistan. Since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Pakistani players have been banned from the IPL and other Indian-owned leagues. There have been only a few such tournaments where IPL team owners have also brought their teams.
Many feared that the same thing might be repeated in England. Despite selling stakes in all eight teams last year, the ECB still controls the tournament. The board cannot force any team to sign any particular player in The Hundred.
But if there is evidence of discrimination then the matter can be serious. The ECB has the right to send the matter to the cricket regulator for investigation. It can also take action on its own if needed.
Michael Vaughan demands fair opportunity for Pakistani players
The pressure increased after former England captain Michael Vaughan publicly called for tougher action and open and fair opportunities for all.
Vaughan had posted,
The ECB needs to act fast on this.. They own the league and this should not be allowed to happen.. The most inclusive sport in the country is not one that allows this to happen.. https://t.co/IYysTSIYHt
– Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) 20 February 2026
Only two Pakistani players played in The Hundred last season, including Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim. This year, the list is much bigger, as big names like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are expected to be picked in the upcoming player auction.
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Big bet of IPL owners in The Hundred!
Meanwhile, four out of eight of the hundred teams are now owned or co-owned by the big names of the IPL. Northern Superchargers is now fully owned by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Sun Group and will be called Sunrisers Leeds from the upcoming season.
Manchester Originals has acquired 70% stake in Lucknow Super Giants from RPSG Group and will play as Manchester Super Giants. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, own 49% stake in Oval Invincibles through Reliance Industries and it will now be called MI London.
Southern Brave retains its original name but is 49% owned by Delhi Capitals’ GMR Group.
