Story perspectives

ECB Faces Backlash Over Alleged Pakistani Player Exclusion

2/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) faces scrutiny over a "shadow ban" on Pakistani players in The Hundred tied to Indian Premier League (IPL) ownership.
Reports indicate IPL-owned franchises may not sign Pakistani players in the upcoming auction.
Richard Gould, ECB chief executive, warned teams not to exclude players based on nationality.
Critics, including former England captain Michael Vaughan, say the ECB seems powerless to stop discrimination, harming its credibility.

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Story summary

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) faces scrutiny over a "shadow ban" on Pakistani players in The Hundred tied to Indian Premier League (IPL) ownership.
Reports indicate IPL-owned franchises may not sign Pakistani players in the upcoming auction.
Richard Gould, ECB chief executive, warned teams not to exclude players based on nationality.
Critics, including former England captain Michael Vaughan, say the ECB seems powerless to stop discrimination, harming its credibility.