ECB Dismisses ‘Shadow Ban’ Speculation as 50+ Pakistani Stars Enter The Hundred Auction

The England and Wales Cricket Board has responded firmly to reports hinting at a possible exclusion of Pakistani players from The Hundred due to IPL-linked ownership influence. The controversy, widely discussed under the term shadow ban, surfaced after a BBC report claimed IPL-owned teams might refrain from selecting Pakistani cricketers in the upcoming draft.

An ECB spokesperson stated:

"The Hundred welcomes men's and women's players from all over the world and we would expect the eight teams to reflect that.

Almost 1,000 cricketers from 18 nations have registered for The Hundred auction, with representation on the longlist of over 50 players respectively from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, and West Indies."

The board also clarified that it had not been shown the alleged messages cited in the report.

Strong Pakistani Presence in the Draft Pool

Among the 950 registered players are prominent Pakistani names such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, and Usman Tariq. The men’s and women’s drafts are scheduled for March 11 and 12 in Piccadilly, London.

Notably absent from the list are Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, primarily due to Pakistan’s Test commitments against West Indies in August.

Historically, only nine Pakistani players have featured across the first five seasons of The Hundred. Scheduling conflicts and last-minute withdrawals have often complicated their participation.

Franchise Ownership and Broader Context

Four franchises now operate under IPL-linked investors: Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals. While some ownership groups have previously signed Pakistani players in other leagues, active Pakistan internationals have not played in the IPL since 2008.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan weighed in on social media, writing:

"The ECB need to act fast on this," Vaughan wrote on X. "They own the league, and this should not be allowed to happen. The most inclusive sport in the country is not one that allows this to happen."

Opportunity Amid Uncertainty

Franchises without IPL ties may view the situation as a strategic opening. With salary caps rising to £2.05 million for men and £880,000 for women, and overseas slots increased to four per match, The Hundred’s evolving structure presents fresh possibilities.

As the countdown to the Hundred auction continues, attention remains firmly on whether performance will outweigh politics when the bidding begins.