Could Excluding Pakistan Players from The Hundred Be a Mistake?

England's T20 World Cup preparations are in full swing, with players like Harry Brook highlighting crucial issues within the cricketing landscape, including the absence of Pakistani players from The Hundred. Brook, who is set to play in the T20 World Cup Super 8 phase, expressed disappointment over the potential exclusion of Pakistan players from the tournament due to decisions made by IPL-affiliated franchises.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As England gears up for their first Super 8 match against Sri Lanka on Sunday at 09:30 GMT, the cricketing community is abuzz with discussions about the implications of the IPL's influence on The Hundred. Harry Brook, now the highest-paid player in the tournament after signing with Sunrisers Leeds, voiced his concerns regarding the exclusion of Pakistani players, stating it would be unfortunate given their rich cricketing heritage. His remarks come amid reports that several franchises linked to the IPL are not considering Pakistan players for the upcoming auction.

Key takeaways

Harry Brook has signed with Sunrisers Leeds for £465,000 but will not captain the team this year.
Reports suggest that IPL-affiliated franchises are excluding Pakistani players from The Hundred auction.
A total of 67 Pakistani players have registered for The Hundred, including 63 men and 4 women.
The ECB maintains that The Hundred welcomes players from all nations, despite the current situation.
Ongoing diplomatic tensions have historically affected the participation of Pakistani players in various leagues.

Timeline: how we got here

Understanding the current situation requires a look back at significant events affecting Pakistan's participation in international leagues:

2009: Pakistani players have not participated in the IPL since this year due to diplomatic tensions.
2023: The launch of South Africa's SA20 saw no Pakistani players signed, echoing the trend of exclusion.
11-12 March 2023: The Hundred auction is scheduled, with concerns regarding the inclusion of Pakistani players raised ahead of this date.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Harry Brook’s comments on the exclusion of Pakistani players have gained attention just before England's Super 8 match. His statement reflects a broader concern regarding the influence of franchise ownership on player selection, particularly for those from Pakistan.

What was already established

It has been well-documented that Pakistani players have faced challenges in participating in various leagues, especially those linked to the IPL. The ECB has stated its commitment to inclusivity, yet the actions of IPL-affiliated teams suggest otherwise.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The exclusion of Pakistani players could affect fan engagement and viewership. Many fans of cricket in the UK appreciate the skills and flair that Pakistani cricketers bring to the game, and their absence may detract from the excitement of The Hundred.

Businesses and jobs

Franchise teams potentially excluding Pakistani players could lead to a perception of reduced competitiveness and diversity within The Hundred, which might impact merchandise sales and sponsorship deals. The cricketing economy thrives on a diverse representation of talent.

Policy and regulation

The ECB faces scrutiny regarding its policies on player inclusivity. Upcoming discussions and potential regulatory changes may focus on ensuring that all players have equal opportunities, regardless of their national background, which could reshape future tournaments.

Numbers that matter

67: Total number of Pakistani players that have signed up for The Hundred auction.
4: Number of female players from Pakistan registered for the auction.
1,000: Approximate number of cricketers from 18 nations who have registered for The Hundred auction.
£465,000: The fee that Harry Brook will receive as the highest-paid player in The Hundred.
4: Number of franchises in The Hundred not owned by IPL-linked companies.

Definitions and jargon buster

IPL: Indian Premier League, a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India.
The Hundred: A professional franchise 100-ball cricket tournament in England and Wales.
ECB: England and Wales Cricket Board, the governing body for cricket in England and Wales.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As The Hundred auction approaches, stakeholders will closely monitor the selections made by franchises and the resulting player rosters. Discussions about inclusivity and representation are likely to intensify.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the auction, the impact of these decisions on fan engagement and league performance will become clearer. The ECB may face pressure to implement policies that ensure fair representation of players from all cricketing nations.

Signals to watch

Reactions from fans and sponsors regarding the exclusion of Pakistani players.
Statements or policy changes from the ECB regarding player inclusivity.
Performance and engagement metrics from The Hundred once it starts.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about player selections and franchise decisions leading up to The Hundred auction.
Support cricket initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.
Engage with cricketing communities to discuss the importance of representation in sports.

Don’t

Don’t assume that all franchises will follow the same patterns of exclusion or inclusion.
Don’t overlook the impact of player diversity on the game’s appeal and competitiveness.
Don’t ignore the broader implications of player selection decisions on international relations.

Checklist

Check the latest news on The Hundred auction and player signings.
Review the rosters of each franchise for diversity of representation.
Monitor discussions around policies from the ECB and their impact on future tournaments.
Stay engaged with cricket communities to understand fan sentiments.
Keep track of performance metrics and audience engagement during The Hundred.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The current situation regarding player selections is fluid and may change as the auction date approaches. There are uncertainties surrounding the ECB’s response to the concerns raised and whether they will take any concrete actions to ensure inclusivity. Additionally, the diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and India remains a significant factor in determining player participation in various leagues.

Bottom line

The ongoing discussions surrounding the exclusion of Pakistani players from The Hundred highlight significant issues within the cricketing world, particularly regarding diversity and representation. As the T20 World Cup unfolds, the cricket community will be watching closely to see how these dynamics play out in the context of international cricket and domestic leagues in the UK.

FAQs

Why are Pakistani players not being considered for The Hundred?

Pakistani players are reportedly not being considered by IPL-affiliated franchises for The Hundred due to ongoing diplomatic tensions and a historical pattern of exclusion in leagues linked to the IPL.

What is the ECB's position on player inclusivity?

The ECB maintains that The Hundred is open to players from all over the world, and they expect the teams to reflect that diversity despite the current situation regarding Pakistani players.

How much is Harry Brook being paid for The Hundred?

Harry Brook is signed with Sunrisers Leeds for £465,000, making him the highest-paid player in The Hundred this year.