No Pakistan players were selected in The Hundred 2025 draft held on March 12, 2023, largely due to limited overseas player slots and concerns over player availability during overlapping international commitments. The ECB’s recent investment decisions and previous apprehensions regarding Pakistan players further complicate their representation in the league.
On March 12, the player draft for The Hundred 2025 was held, and notably, no players from Pakistan were selected. Among those registered, five Pakistani women and 45 men were available, yet the limited slots for overseas players in both categories contributed to this outcome. While the absence of female players was less surprising, the complete lack of male representation raised eyebrows, given the larger pool of players and some available overseas slots.
The dynamics of The Hundred have recently shifted as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has welcomed external investment into the eight franchises, with four being backed by owners from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The IPL has historically maintained a complex relationship with Pakistani players, preventing them from participating after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, although some have taken up roles in coaching and commentary. Concerns over a potential informal ban on Pakistan players arose with IPL investments in The Hundred, prompting ECB Chair Richard Gould to clarify that such players would not be excluded from participation.
Over the four seasons of The Hundred, representation from Pakistan has been limited, with Usama Mir participating in the most matches. Others like Haris Rauf and Imad Wasim have had minimal engagements without representing the nation substantially. Despite these worries about representation, the absence of Pakistani players in the latest draft is predominantly due to availability issues.
The tournament dates, from August 5 to August 31, conflict with Pakistan’s scheduled series against the West Indies, along with a T20 series against Afghanistan and potential matches against Bangladesh. Given these overlapping commitments, franchises are hesitant to select players who might need to withdraw for national duty. Previous experiences, where players like Shaheen Shah Afridi withdrew from The Hundred for other leagues, have led teams to approach player selections with caution.
Observing these trends highlights a precarious intersection of franchise dynamics, player availability, and the broader implications of international cricket relations for Pakistan players, underscoring a crucial period for the representation of Pakistani talents in international leagues.
The absence of Pakistani players in The Hundred 2025 draft can be attributed to a combination of limited slots, potential informal exclusions stemming from IPL ownership, and overlapping international commitments during the tournament period. The ECB’s attempts to assure the inclusion of Pakistani players contradict the reality of availability fears faced by franchises. As the tournament approaches, the representation of Pakistani players remains a point of concern, reflecting on the broader implications of international relations and player commitments in cricket.
Original Source: www.wisden.com
