England captain Harry Brook expressed disappointment on Saturday about a potential exclusion of Pakistani players from the upcoming T20 World Cup’s Hundred competition. He said it would be “a shame” if such an exclusion were to occur due to Indian-owned franchises, noting that Pakistan had been a significant cricketing nation over many years.
Former England skipper Michael Vaughan echoed Brook’s sentiments on Friday, urging the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to take swift action. Vaughan suggested that Pakistani players should be included in next month’s player auction for the competition.
Ahead of the Super Eights match against Sri Lanka scheduled to begin Sunday in Kandy, Brook, who would play for Indian-owned Sunrisers Leeds this year, was asked about the situation. He maintained that their primary focus should remain on upcoming T20 World Cup matches rather than concerns over Pakistani players being overlooked.
“I think there’s around 50 to 60 players in the auction,” Brook explained. “It would be a shame not to see some of them included.”
Brook highlighted the significant contribution of talented cricketers from Pakistan and commended their ability to draw large crowds, asserting that such participation could further enhance the competition’s appeal.
Meanwhile, Vaughan called for thorough investigation into claims of political bans preventing Pakistani players from participating in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and potentially the Hundred. Despite the ECB denying accusations of political influence impacting player selection, Vaughan maintained that cricket’s aim to be inclusive should not include such exclusions.
The newly renamed Sunrisers Leeds is owned by Indian conglomerate Sun Group, part of the eight franchises tied to the IPL.
Vaughan pointed out the inclusion of only two Pakistan internationals last year in the Hundred’s final edition. He stressed that cricket in England needs to be as inclusive as possible given its ambition to become one of the world’s most welcoming sports leagues.
An ECB spokesperson confirmed their support for diversity within the eight franchises, stating, “The Hundred welcomes players from all over the world and we expect our teams to reflect this ethos.”