Michael Vaughan
Michael Vaughan Urges ECB to Stop Exclusion of Pakistan Players

Overview:

The reported exclusion reflects a worrying pattern in IPL-affiliated leagues. Since its inception in 2023, no Pakistani cricketer has featured in South Africa’s SA20, where all six teams are owned by IPL-linked franchise groups.

In light of reports suggesting that Indian Premier League franchises might exclude Pakistan players from the forthcoming Hundred auction, former England captain Michael Vaughan has urged the ECB to step in.

“The ECB need to act fast on this .. they own the league and this should not be allowed to happen .. the most inclusive sport in the country is not one that allows this to happen ..” he posted on “X”

The growing controversy highlights the potential influence of political tensions on cricket’s franchise system, as the India-Pakistan diplomatic rift seems to affect player choices in the Hundred. With four of the tournament’s eight teams partially owned by IPL-backed entities, questions are being raised about how these factors are influencing team selections.

As per a report from the Press Trust of India, IPL-linked franchises might not offer contracts to Pakistani players during the March auction. Franchises like Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds are part of the IPL-linked sides in The Hundred.

Pakistani cricketers have had a significant presence in The Hundred in the past. Imad Wasim played for Northern Superchargers last season, now rebranded as Sunrisers Leeds. Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Shah Afridi have also competed, although no Pakistani female cricketer has featured in the tournament yet.

The reported exclusion reflects a worrying pattern in IPL-affiliated leagues. Since its inception in 2023, no Pakistani cricketer has featured in South Africa’s SA20, where all six teams are owned by IPL-linked franchise groups. Likewise, in the UAE’s ILT20, teams owned by IPL franchises have not signed a Pakistani player in four seasons.

V M Suriya Narayanan is a passionate cricket writer who has been following the game since 2007. With a background in Civil Engineering (B.E.), he blends analytical thinking with a deep understanding of...