Will Pakistan Cricketers Play in The Hundred 2026? Franchise Teams Break Silence

Earlier this week, reports suggested that the four Indian-backed franchises in the Hundred, Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds, were unlikely to pursue players from Pakistan because of the political relationship between the two nations.

In response, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and all teams competing in The Hundred confirmed that selection decisions cannot be influenced by a player’s nationality. The ECB emphasised that the tournament’s auction process must align with anti-discrimination policies and remain based on player performance.

There was formal communication from the ECB to each franchise ahead of the player auction scheduled for March 12, reminding them of their ethics. Every franchise reaffirmed its stance that the competition must remain inclusive and open to cricketers from all backgrounds.

Will Pakistan Cricketers Play in The Hundred 2026?

Pakistan players have largely been absent from franchises owned by Indian Premier League stakeholders in overseas T20 competitions. However, even before the Indian investment, there were only a few Pakistan players in the Hundred. In the last season, only two players from Pakistan featured in the competition, while across its first five seasons, the total number of Pakistani participants stands at just nine.

Overall, 67 cricketers from Pakistan, comprising 63 male and four female players, have registered for the Hundred auction 2026 scheduled to take place in London on March 11 and 12. Among the standout names in the pool are one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah.

Previously, Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan made it clear that he is still eager to feature in The Hundred, amid all the rumours. Meanwhile, England skipper Harry Brook was asked about this topic in a press conference during the ongoing T20 World Cup, and he described the potential absence of Pakistan players as a ‘shame'.