Sahibzada Farhan remains hopeful of The Hundred call the uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation

Sahibzada Farhan has let his bat do the talking over the past year, but as The Hundred auction approaches, the conversation around him has shifted past  cricketing numbers. The 29-year-old Pakistan opener, currently the leading run-scorer at the ongoing T20 World Cup, has admitted that while he is hopeful of earning a contract in The Hundred, the final decision is “not in our hands.” With uncertainty looming over Pakistan players’ participation, particularly amid reports involving IPL-linked franchises, Farhan remains calm and optimistic about his chances.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently wrote to all eight Hundred franchises, reminding them that player selections must be made purely on merit and that any evidence of discrimination would lead to disciplinary action. The reminder comes after reports suggested that the four IPL-owned teams, Mumbai Indians (MI London), Lucknow Super Giants (Manchester Super Giants), Sunrisers Hyderabad (Sunrisers Leeds), and Delhi Capitals (Southern Brave), may not consider Pakistani players at the auction.

Pakistan cricketers have not featured in the IPL since 2008 due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. That trend has often extended to IPL-owned franchises in other global leagues. Farhan is among more than 950 players registered for the March auction and has set his base price at £50,000. More than 60 Pakistani players have signed up, including several national stars. However, participation could also be complicated by scheduling conflicts, with The Hundred clashing with Pakistan’s upcoming Test tour of the West Indies.

Despite the speculation, Farhan has struck a composed tone. Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s Super Eight clash against England at the T20 World Cup, he made it clear that players can only control their performance.

"It's not in our hands who picks us and who doesn't. Wherever we get an opportunity and whoever is interested can pick us. We're ready to play that league, and where people aren't interested is [not something we focus on]. I am hopeful of being picked up. Everyone wants to play the best leagues. The Hundred is one of the best leagues. Let's hope for the best," Farhan said, speaking at a press conference ahead of Pakistan's Super Eight clash against England.

His T20 value has soared over the past six months, beginning with standout performances at the T20 Asia Cup and continuing into this World Cup, where he has dominated attacks with remarkable consistency. A century against Namibia in the group stage underlined his form, and he currently leads the tournament’s run charts.

Only nine Pakistani players have featured in the first five seasons of The Hundred. Franchises have previously cited international commitments and late withdrawals, notably by players like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, as concerns.