ECB confirms that Pakistani players like Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Babar Azam will continue to feature in The Hundred, despite IPL franchises investing in the tournament.
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📢 ECB Confirms No Restrictions on Pakistani Players in The Hundred
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has made it clear that Pakistani cricketers will continue to participate in The Hundred, despite recent private investments from IPL franchise owners. This announcement ensures that players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Haris Rauf will be available for the tournament.
🏏 IPL Franchises Invest in The Hundred
Recently, the ECB entered into exclusivity agreements with eight private investors for The Hundred teams, with several IPL franchise owners securing stakes:
- RPSG Group (Lucknow Super Giants) – Manchester Originals
- Sun TV Network Limited (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – Northern Superchargers
- Reliance Industries Limited (Mumbai Indians) – Oval Invincibles
- GMR Group (Delhi Capitals co-owners) – Southern Brave
Despite this growing IPL influence, ECB chief executive Richard Gould clarified that Pakistani players will not face restrictions, unlike in other leagues where IPL franchises own teams.
“We’re aware of that in other regions, but that won’t be happening here,” Gould stated, addressing concerns about Pakistani players being excluded from franchise-owned teams in leagues like SA20, ILT20, and Major League Cricket (MLC).
🚫 No Indian Players Expected in The Hundred
While Pakistani cricketers remain welcome in The Hundred, Indian players are unlikely to feature due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) longstanding policy of restricting its players from participating in overseas T20 leagues.
“In terms of availability to Indian players, that is not priced in with our plans. The BCCI’s position has been very clear,” Gould confirmed.
Although Indian players frequently participate in bilateral series and county cricket, The Hundred does not expect their involvement under current circumstances.
📺 Overseas Market & Broadcasting Expansion
Gould also emphasized the importance of international broadcasting rights and how the diverse group of global investors could enhance the league’s overseas market appeal.
“The fact that we have got such a wide-ranging set of investors from around the globe will, I believe, help us to add extra value to our overseas broadcast rights,” he added.
🌍 The Hundred Continues to Expand Its Global Reach
With Pakistani stars continuing to play, Indian IPL franchises investing, and global investors stepping in, The Hundred is shaping up to be a key tournament in world cricket.
What do you think about the IPL influence on The Hundred? 🤔💬 Comment below!
