England cricket, The Hundred franchises declare ‘there is no place for discrimination’ amid Pakistan player row

MI London, formerly known as Oval Invincibles, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Tuesday that Pakistan players will not be discriminated against in the selection for The Hundred. The bold statement was released after a BBC report claimed that Hundred franchises with Indian co-owners were not planning to buy any Pakistani players in the March auction due to  political tension between the two countries.

“The England and Wales Cricket Board and all eight of The Hundred team franchises reaffirm their commitment to ensuring The Hundred continues to be a competition that is inclusive, welcoming and open to all,” the ECB statement read.

ECB, MI London say Pakistan players will not be discriminated against

“The Hundred was established to reach new audiences, grow the game of cricket and ensure that everyone – regardless of their ethnicity, gender, faith, nationality or other – can feel they belong in our sport. This has been a guiding principle from the outset and remains at the heart of everything we do.

ECB added: “As the governing body responsible for running the tournament, the ECB is committed to ensuring there is no place for discrimination, and has regulations in place to take robust action to tackle any such conduct. Players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality.

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“All eight teams commit to selection being based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team.

“This reflects the broader commitment of the ECB to make cricket the most inclusive sport, creating opportunities, breaking down barriers and ensuring that players from all backgrounds have a fair and equal pathway to the top of the game.”

The ECB statement was also shared by MI London, which is co-owned by popular Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians. MI London shared the statement on their website and all other social media handles.

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Besides MI London, Manchester Super Giants, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds are the other three teams with Indian co-owners.

A total of 67 Pakistani players have registered for the auction, which will take place on 11 and 12 March.