England’s limited-overs captain Harry Brook has expressed concern over the possibility of Pakistan cricketers being left out of this year’s edition of The Hundred, calling it a disappointing scenario for the tournament and for the sport as a whole. His comments come amid reports suggesting that players from Pakistan may not attract interest from certain franchises, particularly those with ownership links to the Indian Premier League (IPL).
According to sources, four of the franchises participating in The Hundred that are partly owned by IPL-linked groups are unlikely to pursue Pakistan players during the upcoming auction scheduled for 11 and 12 March. This development has raised wider questions about the role of franchise ownership structures in influencing player recruitment across global T20 leagues.
Brook, who has already secured a high-profile deal with Sunrisers Leeds — the new name for Northern Superchargers — is set to become the highest-paid player in the tournament after signing for a reported £465,000. Despite his lucrative contract, the 26-year-old made it clear that administrative and auction decisions fall outside his influence, and his current priority remains England’s T20 World Cup campaign.
Speaking ahead of England’s Super 8s clash against Sri Lanka, Brook acknowledged the situation but maintained a balanced stance. He explained that decisions about player selection and franchise policies are not within his control, and he prefers to focus on his performance on the field. However, he did not shy away from voicing admiration for Pakistan’s long-standing cricketing legacy and the quality of players the country continues to produce.
Brook emphasized that Pakistan has been one of cricket’s most influential nations for decades, consistently producing world-class talent across formats. From explosive batters to elite fast bowlers and world-class spinners, Pakistan’s contribution to international cricket has been significant. For that reason, he suggested it would be unfortunate if such talent were absent from a global tournament like The Hundred, which is designed to showcase the best players from around the world.
The situation becomes even more notable considering that a substantial number of Pakistan players have officially registered for the auction. Reports indicate that 63 male and four female players from Pakistan have signed up, demonstrating strong interest in participating in the English franchise competition. Despite this, internal communications reportedly suggest that demand for Pakistan players could be limited, especially among franchises with IPL ownership connections.
A senior official from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reportedly indicated in messages to a player agent that Pakistan cricketers might receive more attention from teams that are not linked to IPL ownership groups. This has sparked debate about whether geopolitical tensions and commercial alliances are indirectly shaping recruitment patterns in global franchise cricket.
Currently, four of the eight teams in The Hundred — Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds — have ownership ties to IPL franchise groups. This ownership overlap has drawn comparisons with trends seen in other global T20 leagues, where Pakistan players have also faced limited opportunities in competitions dominated by IPL-linked teams.
Historically, Pakistan players have not participated in the IPL since 2009 due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. That absence appears to have had a ripple effect across franchise cricket ecosystems influenced by IPL ownership. For instance, South Africa’s SA20 league, launched in 2023 and fully owned by IPL franchise groups, has not featured any Pakistan players across its seasons so far.
Similarly, in the UAE-based ILT20 league, teams controlled by owners connected to certain Hundred franchises have also avoided signing Pakistan players over multiple seasons. Interestingly, the trend is not universal. Desert Vipers, a franchise in the ILT20 that is American-owned rather than IPL-linked, has signed multiple Pakistan cricketers, highlighting that recruitment decisions can vary significantly depending on ownership structures.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has also weighed in on the matter, urging the ECB to respond quickly if nationality-based exclusion becomes a reality. He stressed that players should not be overlooked purely because of their nationality, as such practices could undermine the global and inclusive spirit of cricket. His remarks reflect growing concern among former players and analysts who believe that franchise cricket should remain merit-based.
Despite the ongoing discussions, the ECB has maintained that The Hundred is an inclusive competition open to players from all cricketing nations. An official spokesperson reiterated that the tournament welcomes international talent and expects all eight franchises to reflect the global diversity of the sport. Nearly 1,000 players from 18 different nations have registered for the auction, including more than 50 from major cricketing countries such as Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, and the West Indies.
It is also worth noting that not all Hundred franchises are influenced by IPL ownership. Teams such as Birmingham Phoenix, London Spirit, Trent Rockets, and Welsh Fire remain free from IPL-linked ownership structures, which could potentially increase opportunities for Pakistan players during the auction process.
Brook himself is expected to have a demanding summer schedule as a multi-format player for England, and he has already confirmed that he will step away from captaincy duties at Sunrisers Leeds this season. Having led the team in the previous two campaigns, he believes it is better to focus on his international commitments rather than leadership responsibilities in the tournament.
He explained that he intends to stay away from administrative matters and leave leadership decisions to the coaching staff and management. His main objective is to perform at the highest level for England, particularly with the T20 World Cup being a major focus.
The broader issue highlights the increasingly complex intersection of politics, business, and sport in modern franchise cricket. As leagues expand globally and ownership networks become interconnected, recruitment strategies may be influenced by factors beyond pure cricketing merit. This raises questions about competitive fairness and the long-term inclusivity of franchise tournaments.
Pakistan’s cricketing depth makes their potential absence even more significant. The country continues to produce elite performers who excel in T20 leagues worldwide, and their participation typically enhances the quality and competitiveness of tournaments. Excluding such talent, whether intentionally or indirectly, could reduce the global appeal and diversity that competitions like The Hundred aim to promote.
Ultimately, the upcoming auction will provide clarity on whether Pakistan players will be widely selected or overlooked. If they do receive limited opportunities, it could spark further discussions about governance, franchise independence, and the globalisation of cricket leagues. For now, Brook’s remarks reflect a sentiment shared by many within the cricketing community — that the sport benefits most when the best players, regardless of nationality, are given equal opportunities to compete on the biggest stages.
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