The Hundred 2026: ECB Responds to Reports Over Pakistan Player Participation

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England and Wales Cricket Board and all eight The Hundred franchises have publicly stated that Pakistan players will not face discrimination in next month's player auction, amid reports suggesting otherwise.

The clarification comes after a BBC report claimed that certain Hundred teams with Indian co-owners were not planning to bid for Pakistani players in the March auction due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the ECB said: "The England and Wales Cricket Board and all eight of The Hundred team franchises reaffirm their commitment to ensuring The Hundred continues to be a competition that is inclusive, welcoming and open to all.

"The Hundred was established to reach new audiences, grow the game of cricket and ensure that everyone regardless of their ethnicity, gender, faith, nationality or other, can feel they belong in our sport. This has been a guiding principle from the outset and remains at the heart of everything we do."

The governing body further added: "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."

MI London, formerly known as Oval Invincibles and co-owned by IPL franchise Mumbai Indians, shared the ECB's statement across its official platforms, reinforcing the position.
Manchester Super Giants, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds are among the other franchises with Indian co-ownership links.

A total of 67 Pakistani players have registered for the March 11 and 12 auction. Historically, Pakistani representation in the men's Hundred competition has been limited, with only two players featuring last season, but the ECB's statement seeks to ensure that selection decisions are framed strictly around cricketing merit rather than nationality.