Here’s why half of The Hundred teams might avoid signing Pakistani players in 2026

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The build-up to the 2026 season of The Hundred has taken an unexpected turn, with media reports suggesting that several franchises may not consider Pakistani players at the upcoming auction. The development comes in the wake of major ownership changes within England’s premier 100-ball competition, leading to concerns that geopolitical realities could quietly influence team selections.

While The Hundred has always promoted itself as a global tournament welcoming international stars, the growing presence of Indian Premier League (IPL) investors appears to be reshaping the dynamics behind the scenes.

The year 2026 marks a significant transition for The Hundred after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sold stakes in all eight franchises to private investors. The move was designed to bring in fresh capital, strengthen commercial appeal, and connect the league more closely with global cricket markets.

However, four franchises are now reportedly tied—either fully or partially—to owners of IPL teams. The cash-rich league has long operated without Pakistani players due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. Though never officially codified as a written rule, the absence of Pakistani cricketers from the IPL since 2008 has become an established reality. Now, that unofficial stance appears to be extending beyond India.

According to player agents involved in preparations for the 2026 auction, franchises with IPL ownership links have reportedly indicated they are ‘not considering’ Pakistani players. While there is no formal announcement or policy statement, the message conveyed privately has raised eyebrows across the cricketing world.

Similar patterns have already emerged in other T20 leagues backed by IPL owners, including South Africa’s SA20 and the UAE’s ILT20. The Hundred could now be the latest competition to reflect this influence.

The ECB, for its part, maintains its commitment to inclusivity and anti-discrimination policies. Officially, the player pool remains open. Unofficially, however, opportunities may be shrinking for Pakistani stars.

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The four teams said to have IPL-linked ownership structures include:

The Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad are both established franchises in the IPL, while LSG have quickly built a strong presence in the competition. If reports prove accurate, this alignment could significantly limit the options for Pakistani cricketers in the 2026 auction.

Over the years, several Pakistani players have delivered standout performances in The Hundred, winning fans with their pace, skill, and flair. Fast bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have thrilled crowds with their express pace, while all-rounder Shadab Khan has proven his value in high-pressure situations. Their potential absence from half the league would not just affect team combinations—it could also impact the tournament’s global appeal. If four franchises choose not to bid for Pakistani players, the remaining teams—Birmingham Phoenix, Oval Invincibles, Trent Rockets, and potentially others depending on final ownership structures—would become the only realistic destinations.

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