The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has issued a stern warning to all eight teams in The Hundred. The governing body told franchises that player selection must be based solely on cricketing merit, not nationality. This directive comes amid swirling reports that Indian-owned teams might deliberately overlook Pakistani cricketers in the upcoming March auction. A total of 67 Pakistani players, including 63 men and four women, have registered for the auction.[morningstaronline+5]
Allegations of Discrimination Emerge
Reports from British media, including the BBC, first highlighted concerns. These reports suggested four of The Hundred's franchises, which have links to Indian Premier League (IPL) owners, might not consider Pakistani players. These teams are Manchester Super Giants (RPSG Group), MI London (Reliance), Southern Brave (GMR), and Sunrisers Leeds (Sun Group).This potential exclusion draws parallels to the IPL, where Pakistani players have not featured since 2009 due to long-standing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.[indiatoday+3]
Pakistani representation in The Hundred has been minimal since the tournament began. Only a small number of male Pakistani players have participated across several seasons. No Pakistani women cricketers have played in the tournament so far.In the most recent season, only two Pakistani players, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, joined squads as replacement players after the initial draft.[cricshots+2]
ECB Issues Strong Directive
In response to the growing speculation, the ECB and all eight Hundred teams released a joint statement. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring The Hundred remains "inclusive, welcoming and open to all."The statement explicitly said, "Players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality."[morningstaronline+9]
The ECB warned teams that it would take "robust action" against any evidence of discrimination.Vikram Banerjee, CEO of The Hundred, reportedly sent a formal communication to all franchises. He reiterated the ECB's firm stance that selection must be strictly based on cricketing rationale, availability, and team performance strategy.Banerjee emphasized that the competition thrives when the best available talent, both domestic and international, gets the opportunity to perform.[morningstaronline+4]
Understanding Player Selection Rules
For the 2026 season, The Hundred teams can have a maximum of four overseas players in their squad. They can also field up to four overseas players in their starting eleven for any match.This is an increase from the previous limit of three overseas players per squad and playing XI.[resources+4]
Teams also have specific rules for direct signings. They can make a maximum of three direct signings, which must be either overseas players or England centrally contracted players. Up to two of these direct signings can be overseas players.These rules mean that only a limited number of overseas spots remain available during the main player auction, making each selection critical.[resources+2]
Legal and Ethical Concerns Raised
The potential exclusion of Pakistani players has raised serious legal and ethical questions. Experts suggest such a policy could breach UK discrimination laws.UK employment law can apply to overseas bodies under certain circumstances.Critics argue that the ECB was aware of these potential issues, given the history of similar exclusions in other franchise leagues.[theguardian+3]
There are moral questions about how the ECB allowed English cricket to reach this point. The governing body has consistently promoted inclusivity and outreach. However, the current situation forces a re-evaluation of these commitments.Proving discrimination can be challenging, but the law often accepts a balance of probabilities.[theguardian+2]
Broader Implications for English Cricket
This debate unfolds as the ECB pursues significant investment in The Hundred. The board plans to increase player wages substantially. For the 2026 season, the overall salary pot in the Men's Hundred will rise by 45% to £2.05 million per team. The Women's Hundred salary pot will double to £880,000 per team. Top men's salaries could reach £300,000, while top women's salaries could exceed £100,000.[thehundred]
The ECB is also considering a new policy to block English domestic players from participating in other overseas franchise leagues during the English summer. This move aims to protect the domestic game from an "exodus of talent." However, the Indian Premier League would remain exempt from this proposed ban, allowing centrally contracted English players to continue participating. These conflicting policies highlight a selective approach to overseas player involvement, prioritizing certain leagues over others.[cricketaddictor+2]
The controversy surrounding nationality-based selection in The Hundred underscores the ongoing tension between commercial interests and the principles of fair play and inclusivity in global cricket. The ECB faces the challenge of upholding its stated values while navigating the complex landscape of international cricket politics and investment.
