ECB Denies Pakistani Player Exclusion in The Hundred

The controversy arose when reports suggested that four IPL-partially-owned teams in The Hundred would not consider Pakistani players during the upcoming auction. This led to criticism from cricket figures worldwide, with many calling for impartial selection processes.

In a statement, the ECB affirmed that all eight teams are committed to selecting players based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and team needs. '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,' the board said, adding that regulations exist to take robust action against discrimination.