Former England captain Michael Vaughan has called upon the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to intervene following reports suggesting that Pakistan players might be left out of the upcoming auction for The Hundred. The issue has sparked a debate on the influence of franchise ownership structures in global cricket, raising questions about the impact of political tensions on player selection policies.
Vaughan, in a tweet, emphasized the need for swift action by the ECB, stating that such exclusion should not be permitted in a sport known for its inclusivity. The involvement of Indian Premier League (IPL)-owned franchises in four out of the eight ‘The Hundred’ teams has led to speculations regarding the potential exclusion of Pakistani players, given the historical absence of Pakistani players in the IPL.
While there is no concrete evidence yet regarding the exclusion of Pakistani players from The Hundred, concerns have been raised within the cricketing community. Notably, Pakistani cricketers have previously participated in The Hundred, with players like Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Haris Rauf featuring in earlier editions. However, no Pakistani female cricketer has been part of the tournament so far.
Richard Gould, the chief executive of ECB, has affirmed the board’s commitment to inclusivity, expressing confidence in the fair selection of players from all nations.
