Fourteen Pakistan cricketers out of 63 who registered for The Hundred auction have been shortlisted, featuring predominantly seamers and all‑rounders with notable bowling capabilities.
The lack of a recognised specialist batter in Pakistan’s shortlist highlights T20 and Hundred franchises’ preference for multi-dimensional bowling over traditional batting stats.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf anchor the Pakistani contingent, joined by emerging seam talent Zaman Khan, Naseem Shah, Usama Mir, Salman Mirza and others in the bowling‑oriented cohort.
Spin all‑rounder Shadab Khan and left‑arm orthodox Imad Wasim add variety to Pakistan’s shortlist, reflecting franchises’ continued demand for players who contribute with both bat and ball.
The auction, scheduled for March 11‑12 in London, takes place amid a wider dispute about possible exclusion of Pakistan players by four IPL‑linked Hundred franchises
Reports emerged last week suggesting franchises owned by Indian Premier League groups were unlikely to pursue Pakistan cricketers in the draft, a practice described as a “shadow ban” by some media.
Against that backdrop the ECB issued a directive to all eight Hundred franchises reminding them that players “must not be excluded on grounds of nationality” in selection decisions.
The board warned teams that selection should be based solely on cricket performance, availability, and team needs, underscoring its commitment to a tournament that is inclusive and open to all.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan publicly urged the ECB to “act fast” over allegations that Indian‑linked owners may overlook Pakistan stars, stressing that sport should not tolerate bias of any kind.
England white‑ball skipper Harry Brook also weighed in, calling it “a shame” if Pakistan’s premier players were shut out o f the upcoming The Hundred,
| Player Name | Role (Primary) | Bowling Type / Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Haris Rauf | Bowler | Fast |
| Shaheen Afridi | Bowler | Fast |
| Usman Tariq | Bowler | Spin (Orthodox) |
| Shadab Khan | All‑rounder | Spin (Leg‑break) |
| Saim Ayub | Bowler/All‑rounder | Pace & lower‑order batting |
| Abrar Ahmed | Bowler | Leg‑spin |
| Naseem Shah | Bowler | Fast |
| Amir | Bowler | Fast (Left‑arm) |
| Muhammad Nawaz | All‑rounder | Medium/Seam |
| Imad Wasim | All‑rounder | Left‑arm Spin |
| Zaman Khan | Bowler | Fast |
| Usama Mir | Bowler | Leg‑spin |
| Akif Javed | Bowler | Fast |
| Salman Mirza | Bowler | Fast |
