Hundred players ‘must not be excluded on nationality grounds’

All teams in The Hundred are “committed to selection being based solely on performance”, said the competition’s eight franchises and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

It comes after sources told BBC Sport last week that Pakistan cricketers are not being considered for this summer’s tournament by Indian-owned sides at next month’s auction.

Players from Pakistan have not featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2009 because of diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

“All eight teams commit to selection being based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team,” read the statement.

“The ECB is committed to ensuring there is no place for discrimination, and has regulations in place to take robust action to tackle any such conduct.

“Players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality.”

In messages seen by the BBC, a senior ECB official indicated to an agent that interest in his Pakistan players would be limited to sides not linked to the IPL.

Four of The Hundred’s eight franchises – Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds – are now at least part-owned by companies that control IPL teams.

Another agent described the situation as “an unwritten rule” across T20 leagues with Indian investment.

The ECB and the franchise teams said they were committed “to ensuring The Hundred continues to be a competition that is inclusive, welcoming and open to all”.

The ECB has come under pressure to address the reports since England limited-overs captain Harry Brook said it would be “a shame” if Pakistan players were excluded from playing in The Hundred this year.

Sixty-seven players from the country are among those to have registered for next month’s auction, with the competition due to run from 21 July-16 August.

The UK government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have held discussions with the ECB over the issue.

A DCMS spokesperson told BBC Sport: “The Hundred plays a significant role in attracting new audiences and inspiring grassroots participation.

“It is important that the tournament remains free from discrimination and nationality should not be a deciding factor in the selection of players.

“The ECB has assured us that it has reminded teams of the same expectation.”

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London also told BBC Sport: “Cricket should be open to everyone, and excluding players for no other reason than their nationality would be unacceptable.