‘Not in our hands’ – Pakistan opener on alleged IPL-linked shadow ban for Hundred 2026 auction

Pakistan cricket team opener Sahibzada Farhan has responded to reports suggesting a shadow ban on Pakistan cricketers at the upcoming Hundred 2026 auction.

Shadow ban on Pakistan cricketers

Last week, it emerged 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. IPL-linked franchises have ‘ignored’ cricketers from Pakistan in other leagues like SA20 and ILT20. Of course, the IPL doesn’t feature cricketers from the neighbouring nation.

In the aftermath, several current and former cricketers have spoken against the idea. England Test and ODI captain, Harry Brook, stated that if Pakistan cricketers were banned due to nationality alone, it’d be a real shame.

PCB to write to ECB

To combat the supposed shadow ban, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to write to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). But the issue is that the ECB doesn’t have much power now. The sale of the Hundred franchises means that the new owners, some of whom have less than 50% share, can’t be forced to make a decision by the ECB.

Sahibzada Farhan responds

On the eve of the Pakistan vs England match in Pallekele, Farhan was asked about the emerging reports. The opener, who’s one of 63 Pakistani cricketers who’ve registered for the Hundred 2026 auction, stated that the decision isn’t in the hands of players. He and other Pakistani cricketers hope for the best, but ultimately it’ll be those in power who’ll decide.

“See, it’s not in our hands to decide who will pick us or not. Wherever we get a chance, those who are interested can pick us, and we are ready to play in that league,” Farhan told reporters in Pallekele. “And we are not interested in playing with the people who run the leagues the way you have spoken. I have a lot of hope; every player wants to play for every league, and The Hundred is one of the best leagues. So, hope for the best,” he added.

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