Pakistani Players Exclusion Rocks Hundred Tournament

Reports surfaced last week that four of the eight teams in The Hundred, partially owned by IPL franchise holders, would not consider Pakistani players during the March auction. The alleged "unwritten rule" caused an uproar in the cricket community with current and former players slamming the reported decision.

In response, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a statement reaffirming commitment to inclusivity, stating that selection must be based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and team needs. The ECB emphasized that players must not be excluded on grounds of nationality and that regulations exist to take "robust action" against discrimination.