“All eight teams commit to selection being based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team,” read the statement.
“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.”
In messages seen by the BBC, a senior ECB official indicated to an agent that interest in his Pakistan players would be limited to sides not linked to the IPL.
Four of The Hundred’s eight franchises – Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds – are now at least part-owned by companies that control IPL teams.
Another agent described the situation as “an unwritten rule” across T20 leagues with Indian investment.
The ECB and the franchise teams said they were committed “to ensuring The Hundred continues to be a competition that is inclusive, welcoming and open to all”.
“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,” it added.
Leave a Reply