The Pakistan cricket team is currently engaged in their T20 World Cup 2026 tournament, which requires them to concentrate entirely on their upcoming Super 8 match against England after their scheduled New Zealand match was canceled because of rain. Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan came in the press conference on the eve of the contest, he was surprisingly asked about his views on ‘The Hundred’ league, the UK’s flagship T20 tournament. When informed that he and other Pakistan players might not be considered at the auction by IPL-linked franchises in the competition, Farhan gave an honest reply
A controversy emerged during the past few days because The Hundred franchises owned by IPL teams ‘shadow banned’ Pakistan players who will participate in next month’s auction, which led experts and cricketers from all over the world to share their opinions about the situation.
The Indian ownership of The Hundred started in England on October 1 2025. The current number of franchises with IPL-linked owners stands at four. The four franchises which have IPL-linked owners include MI London(Reliance) Southern Brave(GMR) Manchester Super Giants(RPSG Group) and SunRisers Leeds(Sun Group).
Farhan expressed his hope to reporters during the press conference that players will play in all leagues because The Hundred ranks among the best leagues. “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,” Farhan told reporters in the press conference
Farhan expressed that he cannot control the decision-making process which determines which players IPL-linked owners will select through his response to the rumors which claimed that IPL-linked owners would not acquire him or other Pakistan players.
“See, it’s not in our hands to decide who will pick us or not. That is not in our hands. The people who want to choose us will select us from all the opportunities that come to us because we are prepared to compete in that league. And we are not interested in playing with the people, the way you have spoken.”
England captain Harry Brook explained his opinion about the ongoing controversy when reporters asked him about it. He said it would be a shame if Pakistan players don’t get picked in the tournament.
“The tournament features exceptional cricketers who attract large audiences according to Brook,” he told reporters.