The Hundred: Harry Brook says Pakistan players' exclusion would be "a shame"
BBC World
February 21, 2026
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England’s limited-overs captain Harry Brook has expressed concern over reports that Pakistan players may be excluded from The Hundred tournament due to Indian-owned franchise teams avoiding their recruitment. Brook, who plays for Sunrisers Leeds, a team owned by IPL-linked entities, emphasized that it would be "a shame" if skilled Pakistani cricketers were not given the opportunity to participate. He highlighted Pakistan’s status as a cricket powerhouse and the talent they bring to the game.
Sources indicate that Indian-owned teams in The Hundred are showing limited interest in signing Pakistani players, following a trend seen in other franchise leagues like South Africa’s SA20 and the UAE’s ILT20. This exclusion appears linked to ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. Brook stressed that decisions about captaincy and team management should not be based on nationality, echoing calls for fair representation in The Hundred.
The ECB has defended the tournament as inclusive, welcoming players from 18 nations. However, concerns remain about whether franchise ownership ties to IPL teams could influence player selection. While four of the eight franchises have IPL connections, the other four, including Birmingham Phoenix and London Spirit, are independently owned and have shown more openness to signing players from various countries.
Brook’s comments come as The Hundred prepares for its 2024 edition, with an auction set to take place in March. Over 60 Pakistani players have registered for the event, but their chances of securing contracts remain uncertain due to franchise policies. Critics argue that such exclusionary practices undermine global cricket and risk alienating fans from countries like Pakistan.
The issue also raises broader questions about cricket diplomacy and whether international tournaments are truly inclusive. Brook’s stance highlights the importance of fair opportunities for all players, regardless of nationality, and underscores the need for leagues to avoid discriminatory practices in player recruitment.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/21/2026