The upcoming season of The Hundred has been surrounded by controversy even before its start. The biggest debate emerged around four Indian franchises. They were reportedly unwilling to pick Pakistani players in the auction.
This triggered a strong reaction across England’s cricketing circles. Several English players and the England and Wales Cricket Board issued firm statements. They warned franchises against discrimination based on nationality.
Amid the backlash, MI London released an official statement on social media. The franchise assured that it does not support discrimination. It also stated that no team would exclude players based on nationality.
The statement confirmed that all eight franchises support inclusivity in the tournament. It stressed that player selection would be open and fair. Nationality, according to the statement, will not be a deciding factor.
It further clarified that selections would depend only on cricketing performance, availability, and team requirements. This position aligns with the official stance taken by the league organisers.
The Indian public has largely accepted the statement. Many believe it protects franchises from direct criticism. Pakistani players could still remain unsold purely based on performance.
This view is strengthened by their recent displays in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The final outcome will become clear once the auction begins on March 11th, 2026.
