The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) hits back at the Indian-owned Hundred franchises after reports of possible omission of PAK players surface just weeks before the Hundred Player Draft. It’s turning out to be a bit of an untold rule, which the Indian owned franchises, such as Manchester Super Giants, MI London, and Sunrisers Leeds, are gearing up to adhere to in the upcoming Hundred Player draft slated to be held on March 11 & 12.

As of now, IPL owners reportedly have stakes in eight franchises from the Hundred. The ECB has formally written to the respective heads of these franchises, reminding them of their responsibilities around discrimination. In the exact words of ECB chief executive Richard Gould, players from all nationalities will be selected based on merit.

“Players from all nations to be selected for all teams. Clear anti-discrimination policies are in place.”

Richard Gould (ECB CEO)

There appears to be a genuine attempt to sideline Pakistan players from global leagues. It’s a matter of fact that the Pakistani players are barred from participating in the IPL due to unresolved political tension between India and Pakistan.

But the ECB remains very wary of India’s shrewd tactic and has warned the Indian owned Hundred franchises of unforgiving repercussions if anti-discrimination norms are violated. Now, whether the franchises will give in to the ECB’s demands is something which remains to be seen as of now. The ECB retains the overall possession of the Hundred. But a change of owners has left the power balance very diluted for the ECB.

Recent History of PAK Players In The Hundred Player Draft

Pakistani players were first picked in The Hundred draft in October 2019 for the inaugural season, with pacer Mohammad Amir leading a trio of selections. Other early, prominent representatives in the following years included Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan, who played for various teams.

Two Pakistan internationals, including Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, appeared in last year’s Hundred Player Draft, which was the final edition before new investors took control. So far, more than 60 PAK players out of the 964 have registered for the upcoming Hundred Player draft, all of whom face the growing possibility of being overlooked completely.