Some media reports and recent comments from England limited-overs captain Harry Brook have created uncertainty over the participation of Pakistani players in the upcoming The Hundred tournament. According to claims, Pakistani players may be barred from participating in the competition because of their nationality.
However, no official statement has come regarding these rumours. In a recent video, former India opener Aakash Chopra criticized Harry Brook and former England captain Michael Vaughan for making certain statements regarding the rumours.
According to a BBC report, sources have told BBC Sport that Pakistan players are not being considered by the four Indian-owned teams for the auction to be held on March 11 and 12.
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Brook said during a press conference, “That part of The Hundred is up to me and whatever they decide to do is up to them. Pakistan has been a great cricket nation for many years and have some fantastic players, some of the best in the world. It would be a shame not to see some of them in The Hundred.”
The captain of England’s ODI and T20I teams will play for Indian-owned Sunrisers Leeds, formerly known as Northern Superchargers. They signed the explosive middle-order batsman for a fee of £465,000.
Michael Vaughan urges ECB to ensure participation of Pakistani cricketers in The Hundred tournament
Like Harry Brook, former England captain Michael Vaughan also expressed concern over the prospects of Pakistani cricketers being banned from franchise tournaments. On Friday he said the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) needed to act first, as banning a player on the basis of nationality could be the wrong approach.
However, Aakash Chopra immediately rejected all the speculations related to Pakistan and The Hundred League. He believes the comments made by Brooks and Vaughn are the perfect example of hypocrisy.
Last season, when Pakistan players went to the auction, no franchise bid for them and Pakistan players remained unsold in The Hundred auction. Why did Harry Brook remain silent at that moment? Chopra raised the question.
Aakash Chopra exposed hypocrisy
Aakash Chopra replied, “There is a limit to hypocrisy too. The auction is on the 12th; they are putting pressure on picking. If you don’t pick, you are discriminating. Last year no Pakistani player was picked in the league and no one was crying then. Even Harry Brook didn’t say a word.”
He also raised the question, “Pakistani player Usman Tariq also plays for Sharukh Khan’s franchise TKR in CPL, so how did you assume that the Indian owners will not choose Pakistani players?”
Akash’s opinion in such matters is really very good.#thehundred #IPL2026 #IPL #T20WorldCup2026 #T20WC2026pic.twitter.com/aid0ZlGNFt
– Ray (@FarRightGuyy) 24 February 2026
As per previous reports, the upcoming edition of the league will begin on Tuesday, July 21, with eight men’s and women’s teams competing to reach The Hundred final 25 days later on Sunday, August 16.
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