A fresh controversy has surfaced ahead of The Hundred 2026 auction, with reports suggesting that four IPL-linked franchises may not bid for Pakistani players. The development has created a strong debate in the cricket world, especially as more than 50 Pakistani cricketers have registered for the upcoming auction.
According to media reports and player agents, this situation is being described as an “unwritten rule”, similar to what has been seen in other leagues connected with Indian franchise ownership.
What Is the Issue?
The Hundred now has Indian investment in four of its eight franchises. These teams are reportedly expected to stay away from Pakistani players during the auction scheduled in March 2026.
| Team Name | Ownership Link |
|---|---|
| MI London | Reliance Industries (Mumbai Indians) |
| Manchester Super Giants | RPSG Group (Lucknow Super Giants) |
| Southern Brave | GMR Group (Delhi Capitals) |
| Sunrisers Leeds | Sun Group (Sunrisers Hyderabad) |
Reports suggest that interest in Pakistani players may come only from the remaining four teams that are not connected with IPL ownership.
Also see: Punjab Kings Announce CP PLUS as Title Sponsor for IPL 2026
Why This Matters for Pakistani Players
More than 50 Pakistani players have entered the auction pool, including top international names. However, if half the teams do not bid for them, their chances of selection may be significantly reduced.
Pakistani Players Registered (Selected Names)
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Fast Bowlers | Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir |
| All-rounders | Shadab Khan |
| Batters | Saim Ayub |
| Others | Usman Tariq and several domestic players |
This situation could limit competition for these players and impact their market value in the auction.
Background: Similar Trends in Other Leagues
The issue is being linked to existing patterns in global franchise cricket:
- Pakistani players have not played in the IPL since 2009
- They were also absent from SA20, where all teams are IPL-owned
- Player agents believe the same trend may now affect The Hundred
Some agents have raised concerns, calling the situation unfair and saying it reflects political and business realities rather than cricketing decisions.
ECB’s Position
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has earlier stated that it expects all teams to follow anti-discrimination policies and keep the selection process open for players from all countries.
However, no official clarification has been issued yet regarding the current reports. The final situation will become clear only during the auction.
Auction Details and Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Women’s Auction | 11 March 2026 |
| Men’s Auction | 12 March 2026 |
| Season Window | July–August 2026 |
With increased salary caps and strong global interest, the auction was expected to be a major opportunity for international players.
The situation has sparked a wider discussion in the cricket community about the balance between private investment and global inclusivity in franchise leagues. Experts believe the outcome of this auction could influence future policies in other tournaments as well.
All eyes are now on the March auction to see whether Pakistani players receive bids and whether the reported trend actually plays out.
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