ECB Mandates Nationality Inclusion in Hundred
The England and Wales Cricket Board reaffirmed that all teams in The Hundred must not exclude players based on nationality, following reports that Indian-owned franchises may be reluctant to sign Pakistani players. The ECB's intervention comes ahead of a significant salary increase and player auction this season. Allegations persist that Indian-owned teams may not sign Pakistani cricketers, prompting officials to publicly address inclusivity concerns.
- Four of The Hundred's eight franchises have at least partial Indian ownership with ties to the Indian Premier League (IPL): Manchester Super Giants (RPSG Group), MI London (Reliance Group), Southern Brave (GMR Group), and Sunrisers Leeds (Sun Group). Additionally, the owners of the Mumbai Indians, Reliance Industries, acquired a 49% stake in the Oval Invincibles. - In the 2023 edition of The Hundred, six Pakistani players were featured, including Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf for Welsh Fire, and Usama Mir and Zaman Khan for Manchester Originals. - A significant salary increase is set for the 2025 season, with the top salary band for male players jumping to £200,000. The highest salary band for the women's competition will be £65,000. - For the first time, the 2026 season will feature a player auction instead of a draft, a change intended to attract top international players by making salaries more competitive and market-driven. - Tense political relations between India and Pakistan have frequently impacted cricket, leading to the suspension of bilateral series and a general exclusion of Pakistani players from the IPL since 2009. - Ahead of the upcoming player selection, 63 Pakistani cricketers have registered for The Hundred's auction. - Former England international Moeen Ali has indicated that players will likely voice their concerns if any discrimination occurs, expressing confidence that the ECB will closely monitor team selections.
