Pakistani cricketers are looking like they will miss out again on a big league overseas again, with reports that IPL-linked ownership groups are unwilling to bid for them in next month’s Hundred auction.
This development is part of a familiar pattern where political tussles involving India spill over into the world of franchise cricket, and its impact is to restrict opportunities for Pakistani players apart from bilateral series.
IPL Ownership Influence
Some franchises in The Hundred are now in whole or part ownership of groups that are also owners of teams in the Indian Premier League.
According to what is being conveyed to player agents, interest in Pakistani cricketers is likely to come only from teams with no IPL ownership ties.
That narrows the field considerably and lowers the chances of representation of Pakistan in the competition.
Pakistan had multiple players in previous editions. Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim were there last season, while Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf have also fronted teams in previous campaigns.
Long-Standing IPL Ban
Pakistan players have not played the IPL since 2009 because of diplomatic issues.
Critics now insist that the same political attitude is being extended indirectly into other teams via franchise ownership structures.
While these tournaments showcase themselves as global and inclusive, Pakistani cricketers still experience barriers associated with affiliations of ownership rather than performance.
Similar Pattern in Other Leagues
A similar trend has developed in other areas. The 24th South African T10 league SA20 had not had any Pakistani player since its start with all the franchises laced by the same IPL affiliated groups.
In the UAE’s ILT20, there was one exception to that – Desert Vipers. While IPL-owned teams reportedly stayed clear of signings from Pakistan, Pakistani players were picked by Desert Vipers who went on to win their first ILT20 trophy.
Also read: Is Pakistan playing against India in the Super Eight Stage?
