Sahibzada reacts to reports of IPL-owned Hundred teams snubbing Pakistani players
India Today
Pakistani batter Sahibzada Farhan brushed aside questions related to speculation that players from his country could be ignored by at least four Indian-owned franchises in The Hundred auction, saying the matter was beyond their control.
The Hundred's forthcoming auction has sparked debate following reports in British media that four Indian-owned franchises could avoid signing Pakistani cricketers. Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan on Tuesday distanced himself from the speculation, stating that players have no control over franchise decisions and remain prepared to play if given the opportunity.
Speaking ahead of Pakistan's T20 World Cup Super Eight clash against England, Farhan said selection calls rest entirely with team management. "See, it's not in our hands to decide who will pick us or not. That is not in our hands. Wherever we get a chance, whoever is interested can pick us and we are ready to play in that league," he said.
When asked about reports suggesting Pakistani players could be overlooked by teams with links to the Indian Premier League, Farhan declined to engage with the premise. "And we are not interested to play with the people - the way you have spoken," he added.
The reports concerned four Hundred franchises, namely Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds, all owned by Indian business groups. While none of the franchises has issued an official statement, the speculation has renewed focus on the broader absence of Pakistani players in IPL-owned competitions.
No Pakistani cricketer has featured in the IPL since the inaugural 2008 season. The pattern has continued in other IPL-linked tournaments such as the SA20 and the ILT20, where franchises are also controlled by IPL owners.
England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould had previously said he expected "players from all nations to be selected for all teams" in The Hundred and emphasised that "clear anti-discrimination policies" were in place.
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