Overview:
In the aftermath of the release, MI London confirmed selection calls will strictly align with the ECB’s outlined framework, while keeping the door open to players of every nationality.
The England and Wales Cricket Board, along with all eight teams competing in The Hundred, has clarified that recruitment for the forthcoming season will be done strictly on merit, player commitments, and specific squad demands when the auction takes place. The statement was issues amid speculation suggesting that cricketers from Pakistan may not feature prominently in the tournament’s auction.
BBC Sport reported earlier this month that the four Hundred sides with IPL ownership links could choose to ignore Pakistan cricketers at the auction. MI London, Manchester Super Giants, Sunrisers Leeds, and Southern Brave are fully or partially backed by IPL franchises.
With that chatter doing the rounds, the ECB released a clarification stressing an inclusive approach, stating that nationality cannot be a basis for non-selection. The board has underlined that players will be considered purely on cricketing output and availability, irrespective of where they come from.
“As the organization in charge of administering the tournament, the ECB is dedicated to ensuring that discrimination has no place in the game and has clear regulations to take firm action against any such behavior. No player should be barred from participation based on their nationality.
“All eight teams agree that selections will be made exclusively on cricketing merit, player availability, and each team’s specific requirements.
“This highlights the ECB’s wider pledge to make cricket the most inclusive sport by opening up opportunities, removing obstacles, and ensuring players from every background have a fair and equal route to reach the highest level of the game.
“We want The Hundred to showcase the finest talent from around the world, and we will continue taking proactive steps to ensure the competition sets the standard for inclusivity,” read the statement.
In the aftermath of the release, MI London confirmed selection calls will strictly align with the ECB’s outlined framework, while keeping the door open to players of every nationality.
“MI London remains committed to keeping The Hundred inclusive, welcoming and accessible to everyone. No player will be ruled out because of nationality. Along with the other seven teams, we reaffirm that selections will be made purely on cricketing merit, player availability and each team’s requirements,” they said.