IPL-Owned Teams to Boycott Pakistani Players in The Hundred Auction

Reports suggest that IPL-owned teams may avoid bidding for Pakistani players in the upcoming Hundred auction. The development could once again sideline Pakistan cricketers from a major overseas league.

Several franchises in The Hundred are now fully or partially controlled by IPL-linked ownership groups. According to sources, agents have been told that interest in Pakistani talent may be limited to teams without IPL ownership ties.

Political Tensions Behind the Decision

The situation appears linked to long-standing India–Pakistan tensions. Since the 2009 IPL ban, Pakistani players have not featured in the Indian Premier League.

Critics argue that the same political stance is now influencing global T20 leagues through franchise ownership structures. While competitions promote themselves as inclusive, diplomatic tensions continue to affect league participation.

Pakistani Representation in The Hundred

In previous seasons of The Hundred, several Pakistani stars participated, including:

• Mohammad Amir
• Imad Wasim
• Shaheen Afridi
• Shadab Khan
• Haris Rauf

Their involvement showed that opportunities were possible despite political differences. However, increasing franchise ownership overlap with the IPL may now change that pattern.

Similar Pattern in Other Leagues

The trend is not limited to England’s tournament.

SA20 in South Africa

In SA20, based in South Africa, no Pakistani players have featured since its launch. All teams are owned by IPL-owned teams, strengthening claims of an unofficial exclusion.

ILT20 in the UAE

In the ILT20 league in the UAE, most IPL-linked ownership groups reportedly avoided signing Pakistani cricketers. However, Desert Vipers stood out as an exception. They selected Pakistani players and later won their maiden ILT20 title.

This example has fueled debate about whether success and commercial growth can still be achieved without excluding international talent.

Impact on Global Cricket

If IPL-owned teams continue this approach in The Hundred auction, it could:

• Reduce player opportunities for Pakistan
• Raise questions about sports diplomacy
• Challenge the idea of a truly global league

Many observers believe that cricket politics should not dictate team selection in international competitions. Others argue that commercial interests and franchise strategies play a major role in modern cricket.

Conclusion:

The reports of IPL-owned teams avoiding Pakistani players in The Hundred reflect a broader pattern seen in SA20 and parts of ILT20. Whether this continues or changes will shape the future of Pakistan cricketers in major global T20 leagues. broader challenge facing tech platforms: how to improve safety without compromising privacy.