In a development that has captured global attention, fourteen Pakistan Male cricketers have been named in the long list of 247 players for this year HundredAmid speculation that he may be ignored due to geopolitical tensions.
Reports had suggested that the four Indian-owned franchises – MI London, Sunrisers Leeds, Manchester Supergiants And southern brave – Can avoid selecting Pakistani players. However, the announcement of the long list has somehow refuted those claims, with Pakistan boasting the highest number of foreign representatives in the top 50 ‘hero’ players – more than one South Africa.
Adding another layer of intrigue, this year’s tournament will overlap with the Pakistan Test series, potentially creating selection and availability challenges for the players involved.
Haris Rauf is among the leading international names
Leading the charge are the express pacers Haris RaufWho have been included in the prestigious ‘Marquee Players International’ category. Rauf has a maximum reserve price of £100,000, which puts him alongside some of the biggest T20 stars in world cricket.
Also included in the Marquee International list Aiden Markram, David Miller, Daryl Mitchell And Sunil Narine. Rauf’s inclusion underlines his growing reputation as a high-impact T20 bowler who is capable of changing the tempo in a matter of a few overs.
Players were to present themselves for consideration at the auction, after which the eight franchises submitted 75–100 nominations each. The final longlist was then drawn from those submissions.
Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan lead tier one category
Pakistan’s fast bowlers in exclusive ‘hero’ categories Shaheen Shah Afridiall-rounder Shadab Khan and spinner Osman Tariq Placed in Tier One – a reflection of their T20 pedigree and international experience.
Tier two includes the dynamic all-rounder Saim Ayyub and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed. Interestingly, despite being listed in tier two, Ayub has chosen the top reserve price bracket, indicating confidence in his market value.
Major English stars also included in first 30 names in men’s long list jonny bairstow, Joe Root And adil rashidLike with international T20 experts quinton de kock And finn allen.
The men’s auction is scheduled to take place on March 12 at Piccadilly, London, where the franchises will strategically assemble their teams. With political undercurrents, scheduling conflicts and high reserve prices, this year’s auction promises drama before the ball is even thrown.
Also read: Former Pakistan cricketers react after Men in Green are out of T20 World Cup 2026
Men’s Long List – First 30 players
- Marquee Domestic: Jonny Bairstow, Adil Rashid, James Vince, Jordan Cox, Joe Root
- Marquee International: Aiden Markram, David Miller, Sunil Narine, Haris Rauf, Daryl Mitchell
- Tier 1 Batsman: Finn Allen, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Tim Seifert, Jack Crawley
- Tier 1 fast bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Josh Tong, Luke Wood, Sunny Baker, Saqib Mahmood
- Tier 1 Allrounder: Tom Curran, Shadab Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, David Willey, Gus Atkinson
- Tier 1 spin bowlers: Aqeel Hossein, AM Ghazanfar, Rishad Hussain, Usman Tariq, Jafar Chauhan
