Pakistani players may miss The Hundred due to Indian franchise links

Pakistani cricketers could be left out of The Hundred this year. This is because Indian Premier League owners have bought stakes in several English teams that play in the competition.
By Newsroom | Cricket, England |

A significant development is unfolding in the world of cricket, as reports suggest that Pakistani players may be excluded from participating in The Hundred, England's premier T20 competition. This potential exclusion stems from investments made by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises in several of The Hundred's eight teams. The situation raises questions about fairness and the spirit of an inclusive sporting event.

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Context of The Hundred and Player Selection

The Hundred, organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), is a franchise-based cricket tournament. It features eight teams, with matches scheduled from July 21 to August 16. The tournament has historically included a diverse range of international players. In the upcoming auction, nearly 1,000 cricketers from 18 nations have registered, with over 50 players each from countries like Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, and the West Indies on the longlist.

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  • Previous Participation: Pakistani men have featured in The Hundred in past seasons. Notably, Imad Wasim played for the Northern Superchargers (now Sunrisers Leeds) last season, and players such as Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Haris Rauf have also appeared in the competition.

  • No Female Representation: It is important to note that no Pakistani woman cricketer has ever played in The Hundred.

  • New Ownership Structure: A key factor in the current situation is the increased investment from IPL owners in The Hundred. As of recent reports, four of the eight franchises have some form of investment from IPL owners: Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and SunRisers Leeds.

Reports Indicate Hesitation from Indian-Owned Teams

Multiple reports suggest a reluctance from these Indian-linked franchises to sign Pakistani players.

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  • "Unwritten Rule": The situation has been described by a player agent as an "unwritten rule."

  • ECB Official's Remark: A senior ECB official reportedly informed an agent that interest in Pakistani players would be restricted to teams without ties to the IPL. This information, as cited by the BBC, indicates a directive or understanding within the league's structure.

  • Franchise Silence: When contacted for comments regarding this matter, franchises with IPL links did not respond to inquiries.

Player and Expert Reactions

The potential exclusion has drawn attention and concern from within the cricket community.

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  • Harry Brook's View: England's limited-overs captain, Harry Brook, stated that it would be "a shame" if Pakistan players were excluded. Brook, who captained the Superchargers previously but will not continue in that role this season, emphasized his current focus on the T20 World Cup, leaving the Hundred's selection matters to the organizers.

  • Call for ECB Action: An editorial piece in The Telegraph urges the ECB not to permit Indian-owned teams within The Hundred to disregard Pakistani players, suggesting that the ECB must act if these reports prove true, to uphold the tournament's inclusive ethos.

ECB's Stance on Diversity

The ECB has publicly stated its commitment to inclusivity in The Hundred.

  • Welcoming All Nations: An ECB spokesperson affirmed that "The Hundred welcomes men's and women's players from all over the world, and we would expect the eight teams to reflect that."

  • Anti-Discrimination Policies: ECB chief executive Richard Gould had previously expressed expectations for players from all nations to be selected and highlighted the presence of "clear anti-discrimination policies."

Unresolved Questions and Implications

The core issue appears to revolve around the influence of IPL ownership on player selection within The Hundred.

  • Conflicting Interests: The reports suggest a disconnect between the ECB's stated goals of inclusivity and the apparent decisions of IPL-linked franchises.

  • Precedent for the Future: If an informal ban on Pakistani players is implemented, it could set a significant precedent for other cross-league player movements and international cricket relations.

  • Pakistan Cricket Board's Role: It is also noted that the Pakistan Cricket Board has a history of blocking its players from participating in overseas leagues, which could present another layer of complexity.

The current situation leaves the exact status of Pakistani players in The Hundred uncertain, with official confirmation of their exclusion pending, yet strong indications pointing towards their non-selection by specific franchises.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why might Pakistani players not play in The Hundred in 2024?
Reports say that Indian Premier League (IPL) owners have invested in four of the eight teams in The Hundred. These teams might not pick Pakistani players because of this connection, creating a potential 'unwritten rule'.
Q: Have Pakistani players played in The Hundred before?
Yes, several Pakistani male cricketers have played in The Hundred in past seasons. For example, Imad Wasim played last year, and others like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have also featured.
Q: What has the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said about this?
The ECB has stated that The Hundred welcomes players from all countries and expects teams to reflect this. They also mentioned having anti-discrimination policies in place.
Q: What is the main problem causing this situation?
The main issue is the potential conflict between the ECB's goal of having an inclusive tournament and the decisions of teams that have investments from Indian IPL owners.
Q: What could happen if Pakistani players are excluded?
If Pakistani players are not selected by these teams, it could set a rule for the future and affect how players move between different cricket leagues around the world.