The England and Wales Cricket Board has reminded all eight teams in The Hundred to follow strict anti-discrimination rules ahead of next month’s player auction, according to BBC Sports.
The move comes after media reports claimed that Pakistan players are not being considered by four teams owned by Indian investors.
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The situation reflects a wider pattern, as Pakistan cricketers do not feature in the Indian Premier League because of the political tensions between the two countries.
ECB chief executive Richard Gould previously said he expected “players from all nations to be selected for all teams” and stressed that “clear anti-discrimination policies” are in place.
Although the ECB still oversees the tournament, its authority has reduced since private investors bought stakes in the teams.
READ: IPL-linked investors likely to skip Pakistan players in The Hundred auction: Report
The board cannot force franchises to sign specific players, and any claims of discrimination would need firm evidence.
If necessary, the ECB can refer a case to the sport’s regulator, which has the power to investigate and impose penalties.
Two Pakistan players, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, played in last year’s competition, the final edition before new ownership took effect.
More than 60 Pakistan cricketers are among the 964 players who have registered for the draft, scheduled for 11 and 12 March.
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Teams will first submit a shortlist of preferred players, which will be reduced to a final group of fewer than 200 names for selection.
