2026 is the first season of the cricket Hundred, played in August each year, to operate under a franchise system where private consortium’s have a significant stake and control, albeit the overall stewardship of the competition remains with the ECB who run English and Welsh cricket.
Its in the news because the auction to pick players for the 2026 season is due to be held in early March.
Reports have suggested that the four Hundred franchises that are owned by Indian Premier League teams (IPL) will not feature any players from Pakistan. Such discrimination on political and religious grounds is of course unacceptable in a competition that claims to welcome all. It is however hardly a surprise since such discrimination has been in place for IPL teams in the Indian competition for some time. The situation appears to be broadly replicated where IPL teams play in other countries such as South Africa.
The sun has long set on the days when cricket was in effect run from Lords cricket ground. These days the ICC with a very significant Indian influence is responsible. It’s where the big crowds and the big money is.
Reports seem to suggest that the ECB did know about the issue but failed to grapple with it. Given that investigations have highlighted discrimination in domestic cricket and the need to attract more interest from South Asian cricket fans in the UK (probably the biggest fan base for cricket here) something needs to happen and happen quite quickly. The alternative may place the future of the Hundred in some danger which won’t of course worry everyone
Kmflett's Blog 
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