Amid brewing Indo-Pak cricket tensions, ECB has stepped in forcefully, debunking myths that Indian-owned Hundred franchises would shun Pakistani players. The auction pool boasts 67 from Pakistan, but last week’s reports painted a grim picture of potential boycotts by teams tied to IPL giants.
In a unified Tuesday statement, ECB and franchise stakeholders denounced the rumors. ‘Our tournament thrives on inclusivity for every race, gender, religion, or nationality,’ they asserted. ‘Nationality-based exclusions are unacceptable; we enforce rigorous anti-bias measures.’ Teams pledged to bid purely on talent, availability, and needs.
Launched to revolutionize short-format cricket and draw global eyes, The Hundred has seen limited Pakistani involvement—merely nine players in five years. ECB’s pledge aims to change that narrative, promoting fairness in a landscape scarred by off-field frictions like the post-2008 IPL absence.
As the draft nears, this reassurance could invigorate participation, blending top international stars for thrilling contests. It serves as a reminder of sport’s power to bridge divides, with ECB positioning The Hundred as a beacon of equity in modern cricket.