The Pakistan cricket team is currently in Sri Lanka for the T20 World Cup 2026. However, their focus extends beyond lifting the coveted trophy on March 8. Nearly every member of the team has registered for the Hundred 2026 auction, which will be held in London on March 12.
Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Saim Ayub, and Usman Tariq are among the 63 international and domestic cricketers from Pakistan to register. In total, 711 players have been shortlisted. But will the Hundred franchise go after them?
No Pakistan trend by IPL-linked teams
Yesterday, a BBC report suggested that four Indian Premier League (IPL)-linked franchises, MI London (Reliance Industries), Manchester Super Giants (RPSG Group), Southern Brave (GMR Group), and Sunrisers Leeds (Sun TV), won’t bid for any Pakistani cricketers.
The IPL-linked franchises have followed the same pattern in two other franchise leagues. In the SA20, which launched in 2023, no Pakistani cricketer has ever played. Meanwhile, in the ILT20, just one franchise hires them.
No shadow ban on Pakistan players?
However, a new report by Cricbuzz challenges the notice. A couple of franchises have maintained a ‘non-committal’ stance. They’ll go after any player who strengthens their team. Regardless of nationality.
One might expect Birmingham Phoenix, London Spirit, Trent Rockets, and Welsh Fire to bid for Pakistani cricketers. But considering the trend followed in the SA20 and ILT20, it won’t be shocking to see the other four franchises steer clear of Pakistani cricketers.
Coming to the Hundred 2026 auction, Shaheen, Saim, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Muhammad Nawaz, and Naseem Shah have listed themselves at GBP 100,000 (INR 1.22 crore approximately). Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Zaman Khan, and Usman Tariq at GBP 75,000 (INR 92 lakh approximately). Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Sahibzada Farhan, Hassan Nawaz, Usama Mir, and Imad Wasim at GBP 50,000 (INR 61.30 lakh approximately).
