Rajeev Shukla with Pakistan Cricket Team. Image Credits: X
The upcoming edition of The Hundred is coming with a lot more new things but Pakistani stars may face a setback as they are unlikely to be signed by India-owned franchises. Reacting to the news, English legend Michael Vaughan urged the ECB to steer clear of such decisions.
Over the years, Pakistani players have been banned from the IPL due to their strained international relationship. After the IPL team owners made their way to England’s The Hundred tournament, the Pakistani stars could face another setback.
Big trouble looms for Pakistani stars in The Hundred
Over the years, the IPL has grown into one of the biggest franchise leagues, spreading its influence worldwide. As the ILT20 and SA20 have seen IPL team owners owning franchises, The Hundred 2026 is all set to experience the same as four of the eight franchises are now acquired by IPL team owners.
After the India-based IPL franchise owners stepped into the Hundred arena, it has been a massive setback for the Pakistani side. Since their strained international relationship impacted cricket, the Pakistani players have been banned from the IPL since 2009, and the same thing is expected to happen in the upcoming Hundred, too.
Also Read: IPL Teams To Boycott Pakistan During The Hundred 2026 Auction
As per the reports, India-owned franchises are set to boycott the Pakistani players. This raises major concerns for the PCB and the players, as only four franchises will have the opportunity to include them in their squads.
Michael Vaughan slams the controversial move
After the report came out, the move sparked different opinions across the globe as some of them supported that and some stood against this. As franchises aim to respect India-Pakistan relations, former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed his frustration.
Taking aim at the England Cricket Board, Vaughan said such a move shouldn’t happen in The Hundred. Urging the ECB to act, he requested them to prevent it from taking place.
“The ECB need 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 ..,” Vaughan wrote on his social media handle.
SA20 sees it first before The Hundred 2026
Starting just as a franchise based T20 league, the IPL has turned into the T20 giant in the franchise cricket arena. Stepping out of Indian cricket, the tournament spread wings to the other T20 leagues across the globe. T20 leagues like ILT20, SA20 have seen India-owned franchises.
The Hundred 2026 may see no players from Pakistan for the first time, but a similar situation has already occurred in the SA20 league. As the entire tournament is owned by the IPL franchises, there has been no space for the Pakistani players over the years. Now, the Hundred is likely to face the same thing.
The Hundred 2026 promises more thrills, and the high-voltage auction of the tournament has been scheduled for March 11 and 12. The Hundred Women’s auction will be held on March 11, followed by the men’s auction on March 12. As the tournament is set for a new beginning, fans are excited to witness a new era.
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