Pakistani Players Exclusion Sparks Cricket Controversy

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity amid reports that four of the eight teams in The Hundred would not consider Pakistani players for their drafts. The ECB stated in a Wednesday release that all teams commit to selection based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and team needs.

The controversy erupted when media reports suggested an "unwritten rule" excluding Pakistani players from teams with Indian investment ties. Pakistani cricketer Sahibzada Farhan, a leading run-scorer at the ICC T20 World Cup, commented that player selection was ultimately up to the franchises, though he expressed hope of being picked after registering his interest in the league.