The Hundred: ECB and eight franchises back inclusive approach, prioritise merit over nationality

The Hundred recently grabbed headlines for the inclusivity and player selection ahead of its first-ever player auction under private investment. With the 2026 auction scheduled for March 11 and 12, concerns emerged that Pakistan players could be overlooked by franchises linked to the Indian Premier League (IPL). In response, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and all eight franchises have publicly confirmed that selection will be based strictly on merit, availability, and team needs, not nationality.

The controversy began after reports suggested that the four IPL-affiliated teams, Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds, might avoid signing Pakistan players due to the long-standing absence of Pakistani cricketers in the Indian Premier League since 2009. Diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have historically impacted cricketing ties, and similar patterns were feared in The Hundred.

In a statement, the governing body reiterated that there is no place for discrimination in the competition. It made it clear that players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality. The board emphasised that robust regulations are in place to deal with any such conduct and that every franchise has committed to selecting players solely on cricketing performance, availability, and squad requirements.

"As the governing body responsible for running the tournament, the ECB is committed to ensuring there is no place for discrimination, and has regulations in place to take robust action to tackle any such conduct. Players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality. All eight teams commit to selection being based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team. This reflects the broader commitment of the ECB to make cricket the most inclusive sport, creating opportunities, breaking down barriers and ensuring that players from all backgrounds have a fair and equal pathway to the top of the game. We want The Hundred to feature the very best talent from across the world, and will continue working proactively to ensure that the competition is a benchmark for inclusivity," read the statement.

MI London shares the ECB’s stance

MI London shared the ECB’s stance, confirming that it would follow the laid-out criteria and remain welcoming to players from all national backgrounds. A total of 67 Pakistani players, comprising 63 men and four women, have entered the auction, including notable names such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah.

"MI London is committed to ensuring The Hundred is a competition that it is inclusive, welcoming and open to all. Players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality. Alongside the other seven teams, we commit to selection being based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team," read the statement.