ECB Says Pakistan Players Can Still Play in The Hundred Despite IPL Investments

Four IPL teams now own parts of The Hundred. This is a big change for cricket.
By Newsroom | Cricket, UK Sports |

This report examines the presence and future prospects of Pakistan players in The Hundred, a UK-based cricket tournament, in light of significant investments from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises into several of its teams. The analysis is based on official statements from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and reports detailing team ownership and player participation. The central question is whether these new financial ties will alter the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the competition.

IPL-linked teams 'not considering Pakistan players' - 1

Background of IPL-ECB Investment and Pakistan Player Inclusion

In recent years, several IPL franchises have acquired stakes in teams participating in The Hundred. Specifically, four IPL teams—Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals—have become owners of four Hundred franchises: Oval Invincibles, London Spirit, Northern Superchargers, and Southern Brave, respectively. This expansion of IPL influence into other global T20 leagues, including the SA20 and Caribbean Premier League, has raised questions regarding the implications for international player participation.

Read More:

IPL-linked teams 'not considering Pakistan players' - 2

  • IPL Ownership in The Hundred: Four IPL franchises now own stakes in four of the eight Hundred teams.

  • Broader IPL International Strategy: This move aligns with a wider trend of IPL teams investing in cricket leagues worldwide.

  • Previous Participation: In the past, Pakistani cricketers have featured in The Hundred. For instance, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim played in the most recent season before new investors took control. Two IPL-owned teams in The Hundred were previously known as Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers) and will be Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Sunrisers Hyderabad also owns a stake in the Northern Superchargers.

  • Absence from IPL: Pakistan players have been excluded from the IPL since 2013. Reports suggest that IPL team owners were not keen on acquiring Pakistani players, leading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to ban their participation.

ECB's Stance on Pakistan Players

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has publicly stated that the influx of IPL investment will not negatively affect the participation of Pakistani players in The Hundred. ECB chief executive Richard Gould has on multiple occasions assured that there will be no barring or reduction in opportunities for Pakistani cricketers.

IPL-linked teams 'not considering Pakistan players' - 3

  • Assurance of No Barring: ECB chief executive Richard Gould has explicitly stated that Pakistani players will not be barred from The Hundred due to IPL ownership.

  • Valued Contribution: The ECB acknowledges and values the contribution of Pakistani players to the league.

  • Distinction from Other Leagues: Gould has indicated awareness of the situation in other regions where Pakistani players' participation might be limited, but emphasized that this will not be the case in The Hundred.

Nuances of International Player Movement

While the ECB is committed to including Pakistani players, discussions also touch upon the potential involvement of Indian players in The Hundred.

IPL-linked teams 'not considering Pakistan players' - 4

  • Indian Player Participation: The ECB has expressed a desire to see Indian players participate in English leagues, but respects the BCCI's policy of not allowing contracted players to feature in foreign tournaments.

  • Exceptions: Players like Dinesh Karthik and Unmukt Chand have played in other leagues after their careers in Indian domestic cricket concluded.

  • Women's Hundred: Indian players do participate in the Women's Hundred, as well as in other women's leagues like the Women's Big Bash League and Women's Caribbean Premier League.

Evidence of Past and Present Inclusion

Reports indicate that the situation regarding Pakistani players' involvement has been varied in leagues with IPL ownership.

  • SA20 Example: All six teams in the SA20 league are IPL-owned, and they have not included any Pakistani players since the league's inception.

  • The Hundred Pre-Investment: In the last season of The Hundred prior to new investment, two Pakistan internationals, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, participated. Imad Wasim represented the Northern Superchargers (now Sunrisers Leeds).

  • Current Tournament Status: While no Pakistan players have appeared in the women's Hundred as of early 2025, the men's tournament has seen their participation.

Expert and Official Commentary

Official statements from the ECB form the primary evidence base for the current situation.

"We will ensure that players from Pakistan continue to feature in The Hundred, as we have always valued their contribution to the league." - ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould

"Despite these new connections to the IPL, the ECB is determined to maintain its focus on inclusivity in The Hundred, especially regarding Pakistani players." - Propakistani.pk

"Indian Premier League's involvement in the Hundred would not affect the participation of Pakistani players in the tournament." - ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould (via India Today)

Conclusion and Implications

The current evidence suggests that the ECB is actively working to ensure that the increased involvement of IPL franchises in The Hundred does not lead to the exclusion of Pakistani players. Statements from ECB chief executive Richard Gould strongly indicate a commitment to maintaining the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers, citing their valued contribution to the league.

Read More: Karnataka Reaches Ranji Trophy Final After 11 Years Due to Semifinal Draw

  • ECB's Proactive Stance: The ECB has made it clear that it will not let IPL influence restrict Pakistani players.

  • Divergence from Other Leagues: The ECB's approach appears to differ from that of IPL-owned teams in leagues like the SA20, where Pakistani players have not featured.

  • Future Uncertainty: While the ECB's commitment is evident, the actual implementation and selection of players by the newly invested franchises remain subject to future team decisions. The historical absence of Pakistan players from the IPL, driven by commercial and political considerations, presents a contrasting scenario.

  • Next Steps: Continued monitoring of team selections for The Hundred in upcoming seasons will be crucial to observe whether the ECB's assurances translate into sustained player inclusion.

Sources:

  • BBC Sport: "The Hundred: IPL-linked teams 'not considering Pakistan players'"

  • Link: https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/cx2gnv5w091o

  • Context: Reports on potential implications of IPL ownership on Pakistan players' participation in The Hundred.

  • Firstpost: "ECB clarifies stance on Pakistan players' participation in the Hundred amid IPL investments"

  • Link: https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/ecb-hundred-ipl-investment-pakistan-players-participation-13863238.html

  • Context: Discusses the ECB's clarification regarding player participation following IPL investments in The Hundred.

  • Wisden: "Pakistan Players Won’t Be Barred From The Hundred – ECB Chief On IPL Investment"

  • Link: https://wisden.com/cricket-news/pakistan-players-wont-be-barred-from-the-hundred-ecb-chief-on-ipl-investment

  • Context: Features assurances from the ECB chief on Pakistan players' inclusion despite IPL investments.

  • India Today: "IPL teams' involvement will not affect Pakistan players in Hundred: ECB chief executive"

  • Link: https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/story/ipl-teams-hundred-pakistan-players-involvement-2679871-2025-02-14

  • Context: Reports on ECB's statement that IPL team ownership will not impact Pakistan players in The Hundred.

  • CricToday: "No problem for Pakistan players despite IPL teams’ involvement in The Hundred"

  • Link: https://crictoday.com/cricket/news/no-problem-for-pakistan-players-despite-ipl-teams-involvement-in-the-hundred/

  • Context: Details ECB's views on Pakistan players' participation and Indian players' potential involvement in The Hundred.

  • Pro Pakistani: "Will IPL Owned Teams Allow Pakistani Players in The Hundred?"

  • Link: https://propakistani.pk/2025/02/14/will-ipl-owned-teams-allow-pakistani-players-in-the-hundred/

  • Context: Explores the ECB's commitment to Pakistani cricketers amidst growing IPL ties with The Hundred.

  • Sporting News India: "Why aren't Pakistan players in IPL 2025? Indian Premier League absence explained"

  • Link: https://www.sportingnews.com/in/ipl/news/ipl-2023-why-arent-pakistan-players-indian-premier-league/fhamxhorobjqnxcioy8s5ipb

  • Context: Explains the reasons behind Pakistan players' exclusion from the IPL.

  • Sport Preferred: "Why Pakistan Players Are Not in the IPL & IPL 2026"

  • Link: https://www.sportpreferred.com/cricket/why-pakistan-players-are-not-in-the-ipl/3925

  • Context: Discusses business and risk factors affecting Pakistan players' participation in the IPL.

  • Cricket Webs: "Pakistan players to be banned from The Hundred after IPL takeover? ECB discloses"

  • Link: https://cricketwebs.com/pakistan-players-to-be-banned-from-the-hundred-after-ipl-takeover-ecb-discloses/

  • Context: Reports on the ECB's response to concerns about Pakistani players' involvement in The Hundred due to IPL takeover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will IPL team owners stop Pakistan players from playing in The Hundred?
No, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) says Pakistan players will still be allowed to play. ECB chief Richard Gould said they value the players' contribution to the league.
Q: Why are IPL teams investing in The Hundred?
Four IPL teams, like Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, have bought parts of The Hundred teams. This is part of a bigger plan for IPL teams to invest in cricket leagues around the world.
Q: Have Pakistan players played in The Hundred before?
Yes, Pakistan players have played in The Hundred in the past. For example, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim played in the last season before these new investments.
Q: Why are Pakistan players not in the IPL?
Pakistan players have not been allowed to play in the IPL since 2013. Reports say IPL team owners did not want to pick them, and the Indian cricket board banned them.
Q: Will Indian players play in The Hundred?
The ECB wants Indian players to play in English leagues. However, the Indian cricket board does not allow its contracted players to play in foreign tournaments. Some Indian players who have finished their domestic careers have played elsewhere.
Q: Is this happening in other leagues too?
In the SA20 league in South Africa, all teams are owned by IPL groups, and no Pakistan players have played there. The ECB says The Hundred will be different and will keep Pakistan players included.