In a bold statement shaking the foundations of English cricket, former England captain Michael Vaughan has issued a stark warning to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). With the inaugural auction for The Hundred league approaching, Pakistani players have registered in droves, but reports suggest IPL-owned franchises may snub them entirely.
The Hundred, ECB’s innovative 100-ball tournament, features eight teams, four of which—MI London, Manchester Super Giants, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds—fell under Indian ownership last October. Sources indicate these teams are unlikely to bid for any of the 63 registered Pakistani cricketers, including stars like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Ali Agha.
Vaughan, a vocal advocate for merit-based cricket, slammed this potential discrimination. ‘The Hundred’s command should not be in the hands of external forces,’ he declared, urging ECB chief Richard Thompson to uphold the board’s pledge to make English cricket the nation’s most inclusive sport.
He argued that excluding players on political grounds would tarnish the tournament’s credibility and send a damaging message: that true control lies not with the governing body but with foreign influences. ‘Cricket must rise above politics,’ Vaughan emphasized. ‘Selections should hinge on talent and form, not nationality.’
This controversy erupts as The Hundred gears up for its landmark auction, a first in its short history. The ECB now faces a pivotal test: will it prioritize inclusivity or risk alienating a global fanbase? Vaughan’s call echoes broader debates in international cricket, where geopolitical tensions often clash with sporting ideals.
As bids unfold, all eyes are on whether Pakistani talents will find a fair shot or if invisible barriers will persist. The outcome could redefine The Hundred’s identity in a diverse cricketing world.