The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently wrote to all eight Hundred franchises, reminding them that player selection must be made solely on merit and that any evidence of discrimination would lead to disciplinary action. The reminder comes after reports suggested that the four IPL teams, Mumbai Indians (MI London), Lucknow Super Giants (Manchester Super Giants), Sunrisers Hyderabad (Sunrisers Leeds) and Delhi Capitals (Southern Brave), may not consider Pakistani players in the auction.
Pakistani cricketers have not been included in the IPL since 2008 due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. This trend has often extended to IPL-owned franchises in other global leagues. Farhan is one of more than 950 players registered for the March auction and has set his base price at £50,000. More than 60 Pakistani players have signed up, including several national stars. However, participation could also be complicated by scheduling conflicts, with The Hundred clashing with Pakistan’s upcoming Test tour of the West Indies.
Despite the speculation, Farhan has taken a measured tone. Ahead of Pakistan’s Super Eight match against England in the T20 World Cup, he made it clear that players can only control their performance.
“It’s not in our hands who chooses us and who doesn’t. Wherever we get an opportunity and whoever is interested can choose us. We are ready to play in that league, and where people are not interested is [not something we focus on]. I have high hopes that I will be arrested. Everyone wants to play in the best leagues. The Hundred is one of the best competitions. Let’s hope for the best,” Farhan said at a press conference ahead of Pakistan’s Super Eight match against England.
His T20 value has soared over the past six months, starting with eye-catching performances in the T20 Asia Cup and continuing in this World Cup, where he has dominated attacks with remarkable consistency. A century against Namibia in the group stages underlined his form, and he currently tops the tournament charts.
Only nine Pakistani players featured in the first five seasons of The Hundred. Franchises have previously cited international commitments and late withdrawals, particularly by players like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, as concerns.
Get every cricket update! Follow us:
#Sahibzada #Farhan #remains #hopeful #Hundreds #call #uncertainty #Pakistans #participation