THE ENGLAND AND WALES Cricket Board and all eight The Hundred franchises have vowed no player “should” be excluded from the competition on grounds of their nationality.
The ECB and the eight teams have released a joint statement following reports that sides linked to the Indian Premier League would decline to sign players from Pakistan.
The BBC reported earlier this week that the four Indian-owned franchises in the competition – Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds – would not consider signing Pakistan players due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between the countries.
In the statement, the eight teams committed “to selection being based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team.”
“Players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality,” the statement added, with the ECB warning of robust action in the face of any discrimination.
Statement from the ECB and eight Hundred teams in full:
“The England and Wales Cricket Board and all eight of The Hundred team franchises reaffirm their commitment to ensuring The Hundred continues to be a competition that is inclusive, welcoming and open to all.
“The Hundred was established to reach new audiences, grow the game of cricket and ensure that everyone – regardless of their ethnicity, gender, faith, nationality or other – can feel they belong in our sport. This has been a guiding principle from the outset and remains at the heart of everything we do.
“As the governing body responsible for running the tournament, the ECB is committed to ensuring there is no place for discrimination, and has regulations in place to take robust action to tackle any such conduct. Players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality.
“All eight teams commit to selection being based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team.
“This reflects the broader commitment of the ECB to make cricket the most inclusive sport, creating opportunities, breaking down barriers and ensuring that players from all backgrounds have a fair and equal pathway to the top of the game.
“We want The Hundred to feature the very best talent from across the world, and will continue working proactively to ensure that the competition is a benchmark for inclusivity.”
