Is The Hundred's nationality debate selective?

Even as cricket experts and players in England issue condemnation over the anticipated exclusion of Pakistani players from The Hundred this year, it has emerged that players from other countries have also been absent from the league since its inception.

Across five seasons, no Sri Lankan or Bangladeshi men's player has featured in the competition. The only Sri Lankan participant is women's captain Chamari Athapaththu, who played in 2024.

England white-ball captain Harry Brook said, "It would be a shame not to see some of them (Pakistani players) in The Hundred."

The ECB and all eight franchises issued a joint statement: "The England and Wales Cricket Board and all eight of The Hundred team franchises reaffirm their commitment to ensuring The Hundred continues to be a competition that is inclusive, welcoming and open to all."

Four franchises are owned by IPL teams. Amid India-Pakistan diplomatic tensions, these owners are reportedly unlikely to bid for Pakistani players at the March auction in London.

The statement added: "Players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality. All eight teams commit to selection being based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team."

Twelve Sri Lankan men, including captain Dasun Shanaka, and 23 Bangladeshi players, including Mustafizur Rahman, are in the 710-player auction register.

Over five seasons, only two Pakistani players featured in each of the 2021, 2022, and 2025 seasons. Six played in 2023 and four in 2024. Last year, before IPL owner involvement, no Pakistani player was initially drafted; two entered later as replacements.