Not a single Pakistani cricketer was picked in the 2025 draft of The Hundred, England’s franchise-based tournament.
The omission has sparked discussions about the reasons behind the snub, with factors such as Indian investment in the league, Pakistan’s packed international schedule, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s handling of player no-objection certificates (NOCs) all being scrutinised.
Draft Results: A surprising absence
The Hundred’s 2025 draft saw 45 male and five female players signed across different base price categories. While the absence of Pakistani female cricketers—such as Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Yusra Amir, Iram Javed, and Jaweria Rauf—was not entirely unexpected given their limited presence in franchise cricket, the exclusion of prominent male players like Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Saim Ayub and many others, came as a surprise.
Indian investment and global franchise trends
Initially, The Hundred’s eight teams were owned and operated by their affiliated county boards. However, financial losses of £9 million in its first two years led to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) opening the doors to private investors.
This saw IPL franchise owners acquiring stakes in four of the eight teams. Given that IPL franchises have historically excluded Pakistani players from the IPL since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, concerns were raised about a similar “soft ban” extending to The Hundred.
This would not be unprecedented—Pakistan’s exclusion from the SA20 league in South Africa, fully owned by IPL franchises, has been consistent. Similarly, Pakistani representation in other IPL-linked leagues, such as Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA and the ILT20 in the UAE, has been minimal.
While ECB chair Richard Gould previously reassured that Pakistani players would not be deliberately sidelined, the latest draft results have fuelled speculation about implicit restrictions.
A packed schedule limiting selection?
Beyond investment dynamics, another major factor impacting Pakistani players’ selection is their international schedule. The Hundred 2025 is set to run from August 5 to August 31, overlapping with Pakistan’s commitments.
According to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), Pakistan is scheduled to play ODIs and T20Is against the West Indies from late July to mid-August, followed by a T20I series against Afghanistan at home and then the Asia Cup in early September. Additionally, talks are underway for a possible white-ball series against Bangladesh in the same window.
Franchises in The Hundred have been wary of selecting players with uncertain availability. The league has already faced issues with mid-season withdrawals in previous editions. Last year, Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi pulled out, citing a need for rest, before attempting to play in Canada’s Global T20—only to be denied an NOC by the PCB. Such instances have made teams hesitant about signing Pakistani cricketers.
PCB’s handling of NOCs: A missed opportunity?
While external factors such as Indian investments and scheduling conflicts are significant, some analysts argue that the PCB’s inconsistent approach to NOCs has made Pakistani players less attractive in the franchise circuit. Over the years, the board has fluctuated between being overly restrictive and disorganised in granting NOCs, often revoking permissions at the last minute.
A notable case was Naseem Shah’s revoked NOC for The Hundred last year, despite no conflict with Pakistan’s international schedule. Similarly, players such as Usama Mir, Azam Khan, and Haris Rauf have all faced unexpected withdrawals from leagues.
Even when 20 Pakistani players received NOCs in November 2024, the overall unpredictability surrounding PCB’s decisions has created uncertainty for franchises. Many teams hesitate to invest in players who might be recalled abruptly for training camps, fitness tests, or unscheduled bilateral series.
The road ahead for Pakistani players
The exclusion of Pakistani cricketers from The Hundred 2025 reflects a combination of political, financial, and administrative factors. While the increasing influence of IPL franchises across global T20 leagues poses a long-term challenge, PCB must also take responsibility for creating an environment where Pakistani players are seen as reliable and valuable assets in the franchise circuit.
To counteract these challenges, PCB could focus on strengthening the Pakistan Super League (PSL), forging international collaborations, and ensuring consistency in player NOC policies. Additionally, diplomatic engagement with international cricket boards to secure fair opportunities for Pakistani players remains crucial.
While political and financial considerations will always play a role in global cricket, the key for Pakistani players is to consistently perform at the highest level. Ensuring reliability in availability and maximising exposure in alternate leagues may pave the way for greater inclusion in the future.
For now, however, their absence from The Hundred 2025 serves as yet another reminder of the evolving dynamics of franchise cricket and the challenges Pakistan must navigate to remain competitive on the global stage.
