Cricket is about bringing everyone together, especially in a day and age where Inclusiveness isn’t some bumper sticker expression; but really a leading pedestal driving change in the global sport. The very way in which cricket is perceived and received by an ever growing audience pool. So, amid such times, if we do end up seeing Pakistan cricketers ignored in the The Hundred, one of England’s eminent white ball franchise format competitions, then it would be a sour taste for both fans as well as the sport’s administrators. At the present moment, the build up to The Hundred is thriving on a rancorous piece of information that may or may not be true and it is pointing to the “possible” direction of Pakistani talents being ignored for the competition.
The possible exclusion of Pakistan cricketers from The Hundred would be a significant loss, not just for the players involved but for the competition itself.
Cricket has always thrived when it brings together diverse talent, and Pakistan has long been a powerhouse of skill, unpredictability, and flair. From world-class fast bowlers to innovative batters, Pakistani players add a unique competitive edge that enhances the quality and global appeal of any tournament they participate in.
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The Hundred was conceived as a format to attract new audiences while showcasing the best of the sport in a fast, entertaining package. Leaving out a major cricketing nation risks undermining that very objective. Fans want to see the strongest possible line-ups, not contests shaped by external constraints.
The presence of Pakistani stars would not only raise standards on the field but also draw viewership from millions of passionate supporters worldwide, strengthening the tournament’s commercial and cultural reach.
Moreover, cricket has historically served as a bridge across borders, offering moments of shared admiration that transcend politics. Franchise leagues, in particular, function best as inclusive spaces where talent is judged purely on performance.
Excluding Pakistan players would therefore feel like a missed opportunity—one that narrows the spirit of the game when it should instead celebrate cricket’s rich, global character.
