Pakistan players Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf with Mukesh Ambani. Image Credits: X
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has taken an important step to make sure players from all countries, including Pakistan, are treated fairly in The Hundred tournament. Recently, the ECB wrote to all eight teams in the competition, reminding them about their responsibilities to avoid any kind of discrimination when choosing players.
It is important to note that this move comes at a time when more than 60 Pakistan cricketers have registered for the upcoming 2026 auction of The Hundred. However, there have been strong reports that teams with Indian owners may avoid selecting Pakistan players because of political tensions between IND and PAK.
ECB issues warning to Mukesh Ambani and other team owners
Currently, four IPL franchises own or partly own teams in The Hundred. These include Mukesh Ambani's Mumbai Indians, LSG, SRH, and Delhi Capitals. Since Pakistan players have not been allowed to play in the IPL for many years, the same pattern now appears to be affecting The Hundred teams connected to Indian owners.
According to reports, these Indian-owned franchises may not consider Pakistan players during the auction. In fact, six out of the eight teams in The Hundred have some level of Indian or Indian-linked ownership. Therefore, many experts believe Pakistan players could face limited chances of being picked.
Because of this situation, the ECB’s reminder about anti-discrimination rules is seen as an attempt to protect fairness and inclusivity in the competition.
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Pakistan stars register in big numbers
Despite the uncertainty, Pakistan has shown strong interest in the tournament. A total of 63 Pakistan cricketers have signed up for the 2026 auction of The Hundred, which will take place on 11 and 12 March. The list includes well-known international players as well as young rising talents.
Some notable Pakistan names registered for the auction include Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Usman Tariq.
Overall, more than 960 players from around the world have entered the auction. However, before the final event, teams will first submit their preferred player lists. This process will reduce the total number to fewer than 200 players who will actually go into the auction pool.
So far, Pakistan’s presence in The Hundred has been very limited. Only nine Pakistan players have played in the tournament across its first four seasons.
Last year, just two Pakistan internationals, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, appeared in the competition. Both played for Northern Superchargers, while spinner Zafar Gohar was also part of the Oval Invincibles squad.
Notably, last season was the final edition before new investors took ownership stakes in the teams. Therefore, the 2026 season will be the first fully influenced by the new franchise owners, which adds to the uncertainty around Pakistan players’ chances.
ECB might take disciplinary action if needed
Even though private investors now own shares in the teams, the ECB still keeps overall control of The Hundred. However, its authority is somewhat reduced because of the new ownership structure. Importantly, the ECB cannot force any team to select specific players.
Nevertheless, if there is clear evidence of discrimination, the ECB can refer the matter to cricket regulators. These regulators have the power to investigate and even punish teams if rules are broken. Additionally, the ECB itself can also take disciplinary action if needed.
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