No buyers for Pakistani players in The Hundred as IPL-owned franchises dominate draft

Pakistan cricket has suffered a major setback as all 50 players, including 45 men and five women, went unsold in England’s The Hundred draft. Prominent names like Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, and Naseem Shah, who had the highest reserve price, failed to attract bids. Among women, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Yusra Amir, Iram Javed, and Jaweria Rauf also found no takers.

This development comes at a time when Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing financial struggles, with reports of budget cuts in domestic cricket and a 75% reduction in match fees for the National T20 Championship. Players have expressed concerns over the board’s financial decisions, which are impacting both domestic cricketers and former Test players awaiting their annual pension increases.

Why Were Pakistani Players Ignored?

The privatization of The Hundred’s franchises is believed to be a major factor behind the snub. Until last year, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) controlled the tournament, but in 2025, four of the eight teams were sold to IPL franchise owners. Key takeovers include:

• Mumbai Indians’ owners, Reliance Industries, acquiring a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles.
• RPSG Group, which owns Lucknow Super Giants, purchasing a 70% stake in Manchester Originals.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad’s owners, Sun Group, taking 100% control of Northern Superchargers.
• Delhi Capitals’ co-owners, GMR Group, acquiring a 49% stake in Southern Brave.

Given that Pakistani players have been banned from the IPL since 2009, their exclusion from The Hundred under IPL-backed ownership appears to be an unofficial continuation of the ban in global franchise leagues.

Schedule Conflicts Also a Factor

Another possible reason for Pakistani players being ignored is their hectic international schedule. Pakistan is set to play ODIs and T20Is against the West Indies from July to mid-August, followed by a T20 series against Afghanistan and a potential series against Bangladesh. With Asia Cup preparations starting in September, player availability could have been a concern for franchises.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad and New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell secured some of the best deals in the draft. David Warner, who went unsold in the IPL auction, was picked by London Spirit.

PCB’s Cost-Cutting Measures Add to Concerns

The financial situation of the PCB is another worrying factor for Pakistani cricket. The match fees for the National T20 Championship have been slashed by 75%, bringing payments down from PKR 40,000 to PKR 10,000 per match, with reserve players earning only PKR 5,000 per game.

This drastic cut has raised concerns among players, as it significantly reduces earnings for domestic cricketers who rely on these tournaments for income. Additionally, the PCB is yet to implement an annual pension increase for former Test cricketers, a policy that was supposed to provide financial relief to retired players.

With no representation in The Hundred, financial struggles, and an uncertain future in global leagues, Pakistan cricket faces an increasingly challenging road ahead.