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Mohsin Naqvi and Shaheen Afridi (Source:x)
The PCB, led by chairman Mohsin Naqvi, is preparing to formally approach the England and Wales Cricket Board over concerns that Pakistan players could be sidelined in the upcoming auction of The Hundred.
The move comes after reports suggested that franchises linked to IPL owners may not bid for Pakistani cricketers in the upcoming edition of the tournament.
The Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB believes this could amount to unfair treatment and wants written assurances from the ECB that all players will receive equal and unbiased consideration during the auction process.
It is vital to note that the auction for The Hundred will take place on March 12 in London (for Men’s), while the women's auction is scheduled for March 11.
How many IPL owners have acquired The Hundred franchises?
According to reports, as many as 63 Pakistan players have registered for the 2026 The Hundred auction. Some prominent names that have registered in the auction are Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Salman Ali Agha.
Other notable players listed include Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Usama Mir, Saim Ayub, and Zaman Khan. However, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have not registered for the tournament.
It is important to mention that four teams with IPL links may avoid picking Pakistan players.
These include MI London (owned by Reliance Industries), Manchester Super Giants (RPSG Group), Southern Brave (GMR Group), and Sunrisers Leeds (Sun TV).
While The Hundred has multiple ownership structures, six of the eight teams reportedly have links to IPL stakeholders. The Mohsin Naqvi's PCB fears that a pattern similar to other leagues, such as SA20 and ILT20, where Pakistan players have found limited opportunities, could be repeated in England.
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Mohsin Naqvi to knock on ECB's door
Sources indicate that PCB officials, under Mohsin Naqvi's leadership, have decided to take the matter up directly with the ECB. Salman Naseer is expected to send a formal communication on behalf of the board.
The letter will reportedly seek clarity on whether their players will be treated fairly and without discrimination in the auction.
"The Pakistan Cricket Board, through Salman Naseer, is due to write to the ECB asking them to ensure Pakistani players are not treated unfairly," sources told Telecom Asia Sport.
"Any bias would go against the ECB's commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity for Asian players."
ECB reaffirms commitment to equal Opportunity for Pakistan players
According to the same report, the matter stated that any bias against Pakistan players would contradict the ECB’s public commitment to give equal opportunity for Asian cricketers. The PCB's position is clear: selection decisions should be based on merit or ownership considerations.
Earlier, ECB chief executive Richard Gould had been asked whether Indian investment in The Hundred would affect the participation of Pakistan players. He maintained that the league would not discriminate against players from any country.
The ECB, according to the BBC, does not have the authority to force franchises to select specific players. Team managers make their own choices during the auction.
However, the governing body can intervene if there is clear evidence of discriminatory practices.
Read More: List of All Pakistan Players Who Have Played In The Hundred
