Build-up to the 2026 season Hundred In an unexpected twist, media reports suggest that many franchises may not consider Pakistani players in the upcoming auction. The development comes in the wake of major changes in the ownership of England’s premier 100-ball competition, raising concerns that geopolitical realities could quietly influence team selection.
While The Hundred has always promoted itself as a global tournament welcoming international stars, its attendance continues to grow Indian Premier League (IPL) Investors appear to be reshaping the dynamics behind the scenes.
IPL’s influence extends to The Hundred
The year 2026 marks a significant change for The Hundred England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Stake in all eight franchises were sold to private investors. The move was designed to bring in new capital, strengthen commercial appeal and more closely link the league to global cricket markets.
However, now four franchises are reportedly fully or partially linked to the owners of the IPL teams. The cash-rich league has been operating without Pakistani players for a long time due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. Although never officially codified as a written rule, the absence of Pakistani cricketers from the IPL since 2008 has become an established reality. Now, that casual attitude seems to be spreading beyond India.
Reasons why some teams will not consider Pakistani players
According to player agents involved in preparations for the 2026 auction, franchises with IPL ownership links have reportedly indicated that they are not considering Pakistani players. Although there was no formal announcement or policy statement, the private message has raised eyebrows across the cricket world.
Similar patterns have already emerged in other T20 leagues backed by IPL owners, including South Africa SA20 and the United Arab Emirates ILT20. The Hundred may now be the latest competition to reflect this influence.
The ECB, for its part, maintains its commitment to inclusivity and anti-discrimination policies. Officially, the player pool remains open. However, unofficially, opportunities for Pakistani stars are diminishing.
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Franchises reportedly in touch with IPL move
The four teams that are said to have IPL-related ownership structures include:
- MI London (formerly London Spirit) – Affiliated with Mumbai Indians
- Manchester Super Giants (formerly Manchester Originals) – affiliated with Lucknow Super Giants
- Southern Brave – reportedly with partial investment from Mumbai Indians
- Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers) – affiliated with Sunrisers Hyderabad
Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad are both established franchises in the IPL, while LSG have built an increasingly strong presence in the competition. If the report proves true, this alignment could significantly limit the options for Pakistani cricketers in the 2026 auction.
Remaining teams can choose Pakistani talents
Over the years, many Pakistani players have excelled in The Hundred and won the hearts of fans with their pace, skill and talent. fast bowlers like Shaheen Afridi And Haris Rauf Despite being an all-rounder, he has thrilled the audience with his fast pace. Shadab Khan Has proven its value in high pressure situations. Their possible absence from half the league will not only affect the team combination but it could also affect the global appeal of the tournament. If the four franchises choose not to bid for Pakistani players, the remaining teams-Birmingham Phoenix, Oval Invincibles, Trent RocketsAnd others – potentially dependent on final ownership structures – will become the only realistic destination.
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