The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has issued a stern warning to franchises in The Hundred about concerns that some teams may deliberately overlook Pakistan players ahead of the March auction. The board reminded teams that selection must be based on merit, not nationality, amid reports that Indian-linked owners may avoid signing Pakistani cricketers. This year’s Draft, set for March 11–12 in London, will determine the squads for the season starting in July. The tournament features eight teams, each allowed four overseas players, with franchises increasingly attracting private investment. Four of these are now linked to ownership groups with ties to the Indian Premier League, where Pakistani players have historically been absent. Bias Allegations and ‘Unwritten Rule’ Reports from credible outlets indicate that the four IPL-linked Hundred franchises — Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds — may not consider Pakistan players at the auction. A senior ECB official reportedly told an agent that interest in Pakistan players would be limited to the four sides with no IPL ties. An agent described this as an “unwritten rule” in leagues where Indian investment exists. The issue stems partly from long-running geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistani players have not featured in the IPL since 2009, a trend that has spilled into other franchise leagues with Indian ownership involvement. Despite nearly 1,000 players from 18 countries entering the Hundred auction, more than 50 Pakistan players are among those hoping for contracts. ECB Steps In to Defend Inclusivity The ECB’s warning came after the league’s governing body noted the potential for discriminatory team building. Officials reminded franchises that they risk disciplinary action if evidence shows players are being ignored based on nationality. The email was sent to all eight teams, highlighting the board’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity in player selection. An ECB spokesperson said the competition “welcomes men’s and women’s players from all over the world” and expects teams to reflect that diversity. They underscored that the auction longlist includes representation from countries such as Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and the West Indies. Voices From the Cricket Community Former England captain Michael Vaughan called on the ECB to act quickly if Pakistani players are excluded. He argued that a sport built on inclusion should not let bias dictate selections. Meanwhile, England’s white ball captain Harry Brook described the potential snub as “a shame,” stressing Pakistan’s strong cricketing tradition and the value their players bring to tournaments. Implications for Global Franchise Cricket If franchise bias continues, it could deepen concerns that political tensions are influencing sport. Pakistan players have also been notably absent from other leagues with Indian ownership involvement, including South Africa’s SA20 and the UAE’s ILT20. Cricket fans and analysts say avoiding top talent based on nationality diminishes the spirit of competition and harms inclusivity. With the auction only weeks away, all eyes are on how franchises will respond to the ECB’s warning. The board’s stance sends a clear signal that discrimination — overt or implicit — will be scrutinized as the sport evolves.