ECB warns teams from discriminating against Pakistan in the Hundred auction

The England & Wales Cricket Board is understood to have written to all Hundred franchises, reiterating their responsibilities and warning against intentionally leaving out players based on their nationalities.

Shadow ban on Pakistan players

The development comes after England media reported that IPL-linked Hundred teams, including Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds, are considering not picking Pakistan players in the league’s auction on March 11-12.

The board has reportedly warned of legal action if any evidence showing discrimination against any player is found. In case of clear evidence suggesting discrimination, ECB might refer the case to the independent Cricket Regulator or take separate action itself.

No Pakistan in India-run leagues

Pakistan players have not been part of any IPL edition since 2008 due to worsening political ties between Pakistan and India. A similar pattern has been seen with IPL-linked teams in franchise leagues across the globe, including ILT20, SA20 and CPL. Just recently, in the ILT20, no Pakistan player featured in any of the five offshoots of IPL franchises. Desert Vipers, the only non-IPL team, had as many as four Pakistan players.

While more than 1,000 players have registered for the auction, out of which 67 are Pakistani, the list will be cut down after each team submits a shortlist of 75 to 100 players they are interested in. An aggregate list of 200 players will then be created from those submissions, and those names will go under the hammer in the final auction.

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