ECB reminds franchises of anti-discrimination responsibilities
Pakistan cricketers reportedly excluded by Indian-owned franchises
ECB has limited enforcement power despite retaining oversight
Over 60 Pakistan players registered for upcoming auction
📖 Full Retelling
The England and Wales Cricket Board has written to the eight Hundred franchises in England reminding them of their responsibilities around discrimination following reports that Pakistan cricketers are not being considered by four Indian-owned sides for next month's auction. This development comes amid ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan that have historically affected cricketing relations between the two nations. Earlier this week, BBC Sport revealed that Pakistan players, who do not participate in the Indian Premier League due to these diplomatic issues, appear to be facing similar exclusion at IPL-owned franchises globally. ECB chief executive Richard Gould had previously stated his expectation that players from all nations would be selected for all teams in The Hundred, emphasizing that clear anti-discrimination policies were in place. While the ECB retained overall control when it sold stakes in the eight teams last year, its authority has been diluted with the introduction of new owners. The governing body cannot compel teams to pick specific players, and any accusations of discrimination would require substantial evidence. The ECB could potentially refer a franchise to the cricket regulator for investigation or impose its own separate punishments if violations are confirmed.
🏷️ Themes
Discrimination, Cricket Governance, International Relations
Prejudicial treatment based on membership in a certain group
Discrimination is the process of making unjustified distinctions between people based on the groups, classes, or other categories to which they belong or are perceived to belong, usually in a way that it deprives them of their legal or human rights. The group may be such as race, gender, age, class,...
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 (T20) cricket league in India, organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Founded in 2007, it features ten city-based franchise teams. The IPL is the most popular and richest cricket league in the world and the 13th riche...
ECB reminds Hundred franchises of responsibilities By Matthew Henry BBC Sport Journalist Published 20 minutes ago 26 Comments The England and Wales Cricket Board has written to the eight Hundred franchises reminding them of their responsibilities around discrimination. Earlier this week, BBC Sport reported Pakistan cricketers are not being considered by the four Indian-owned sides for next month's Hundred auction. Pakistan players do not play in the Indian Premier League amid ongoing political tensions between the two countries and that trend is reflected at IPL-owned franchises around the world. ECB chief executive Richard Gould said last year he expected "players from all nations to be selected for all teams" in The Hundred and warned "clear anti-discrimination policies" were in place. The ECB retained overall control of The Hundred when it sold stakes in the eight teams last year, though its power has been diluted with the presence of new owners. It cannot compel teams to pick players and any accusations of discrimination would have to be backed up by clear evidence. The ECB could refer a franchise to the cricket regulator, which can also carry out its own investigations. The governing body could also hand out its own separate punishments. Two Pakistan internationals - Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim - appeared in last year's tournament, which was the final edition before new investors took control. More than 60 Pakistan players were among the 964 to sign up for the auction, which takes place on 11 and 12 March. This week, teams will submit a list of players of interest, which will whittle down the overall options to a longlist of less than 200 players who will go to the auction. Related topics Franchise Cricket The Hundred Cricket More on this story 67 Pakistan players sign up for Hundred auction Published 1 day ago 'A shame' if Pakistan players excluded from Hundred Published 1 day ago IPL-linked teams 'not considering Pakistan players' Published 2 days ago
