Islamabad, Feb 14: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing opportunities for Pakistani cricketers in The Hundred, even as the tournament undergoes significant transformation with new international investments.
With the recent sale of stakes in all eight teams, valued at £975 million, The Hundred has attracted major investors from the Indian Premier League (IPL), including RPSG Group (Lucknow Super Giants), Sun TV Network Limited (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Reliance Industries Limited (Mumbai Indians), and GMR Group (Delhi Capitals). Despite these IPL ties, the ECB has assured that Pakistani players will continue to be part of the league.
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ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould emphasized inclusivity, stating, “We’re aware of the restrictions on Pakistani players in other leagues, but that won’t be happening here. We will ensure that players from Pakistan continue to feature in The Hundred, as we have always valued their contribution to the league.”
Pakistani cricketers have been key contributors to The Hundred’s success, bringing international star power and competitive edge. Unlike other IPL-backed leagues, such as SA20 and ILT20, which have excluded Pakistani players due to political tensions, The Hundred remains committed to its “best versus best” philosophy.
This stance comes as a significant boost for Pakistani cricketers, who often face barriers in global franchise tournaments. With The Hundred providing a premier stage for talent, the ECB’s assurance ensures continued representation for Pakistan’s players in top-tier T20 cricket.
