The Hundred Auction Tension Grows Over Pakistan Stars

The England and Wales Cricket Board has formally reminded all eight franchises that nationality cannot shape decisions at The Hundred auction.

An email landed in team inboxes on Sunday. Its message was blunt. Any sign of discrimination, including ignoring players due to nationality, could trigger action.

Reports earlier in the week claimed four IPL-linked teams may not consider Pakistan cricketers. That sparked immediate debate around Pakistan players The Hundred participation and raised fresh questions about the tournament’s integrity.

ECB Draws a Clear Line

The governing body oversees The Hundred auction and has authority to act if rules are breached. If evidence surfaces, the matter could head to the independent Cricket Regulator. The ECB may also pursue its own disciplinary steps.

This warning arrives just weeks before the March 11–12 draft. Franchises must trim a pool of 964 names to a working shortlist. From there, around 200 players will go under the hammer.

Among the 67 Pakistan entrants are Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, established internationals with strong white-ball records.

With their names in the pool, the debate has shifted beyond selection strategy to questions of fairness and equal opportunity.

Geopolitics Still Looms

Tensions between India and Pakistan have shaped cricket ties for years. Pakistan players have not featured in the IPL since 2009. Now, with several IPL owners investing in overseas leagues, scrutiny has intensified.

Last season, no Pakistan players The Hundred draft featured in final squads. Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim only appeared as late replacements. Scheduling clashes played a role then. Pakistan’s packed Test calendar could again complicate availability this summer.

Still, the ECB’s stance is firm.

The Hundred auction must reflect merit, not politics. Suddenly, the spotlight burns brighter. And every franchise decision will be watched closely.