The recently concluded draft for The Hundred 2025 saw a surprising turn of events as all 45 Pakistani players who had registered remained unselected. This unexpected omission has raised questions about the selection process and the future of Pakistani cricketers in this tournament.

No Pakistani Players Selected Despite Vacant Overseas Slots

On March 12, 2025, The Hundred held its much-anticipated draft, where overseas cricketers from around the world vied for a place in the eight-team tournament. While players from Australia, New Zealand, and Afghanistan managed to secure lucrative contracts, Pakistan’s cricketers were completely ignored. This marks another year in which Pakistani players have struggled to find representation in the competition.

Despite the availability of overseas slots in various franchises, no Pakistani player was picked—an outcome that left many fans and experts baffled. Given the strong T20 performances by Pakistani players in various leagues, this snub has ignited debates about possible biases and commercial influences in The Hundred’s selection process.

Biggest Pakistani Names Left Out

Several high-profile Pakistani players, including established stars and emerging talents, failed to make the cut. Among them were:

• Naseem Shah (Reserve price: £120,000)
• Imad Wasim (Reserve price: £78,500)
• Saim Ayub (Reserve price: £78,500)
• Shadab Khan (Reserve price: £63,000)
• Hasan Ali (Reserve price: £63,000)
• Mohammad Hasnain (Reserve price: £63,000)

Several others, including Mohammad Abbas and Haider Ali, registered without a reserve price but still failed to secure contracts. With the Pakistan Super League (PSL) producing world-class T20 players, it was widely expected that at least a few Pakistani cricketers would be drafted into The Hundred.

Other International Signings and High-Profile Deals

While Pakistani players remained overlooked, other international stars secured lucrative contracts. The highest overseas deals included:

• Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan) – £200,000
• Michael Bracewell (New Zealand) – £200,000
• David Warner (Australia) – £120,000
• Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) – £100,000
• Jamie Overton (England) – £200,000
• David Willey (England) – £200,000

Meanwhile, England’s James Anderson, a legendary pacer, was also left out of the main draft but remains eligible for the wildcard selection process in May.

Possible Reasons Behind the Snub

1. Commercial and Political Factors

The presence of Indian Premier League (IPL) ownership in The Hundred has led to speculation that political and commercial reasons may have played a role in the exclusion of Pakistani players. Four of the eight teams in The Hundred are now backed by IPL franchise owners, a league where Pakistani cricketers have been absent since 2008 due to political tensions between India and Pakistan.

2. Lack of Availability and Scheduling Conflicts

Some analysts suggest that scheduling conflicts and international commitments may have affected Pakistani players’ chances. With Pakistan’s busy cricket calendar and their national commitments, franchises might have been hesitant to sign players who could potentially miss games.

3. Concerns Over Player Consistency

While Pakistani players have excelled in T20 leagues worldwide, some franchises may have overlooked them due to perceived inconsistencies in performance. However, this reasoning is debatable given the impressive records of players like Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah in various leagues.

Implications for Pakistani Cricket

The exclusion of Pakistani players from The Hundred 2025 could have long-term implications. It limits their exposure to high-quality cricket, impacts their market value in franchise leagues, and affects Pakistan’s global cricketing reputation. It also raises concerns about the future of Pakistani cricketers in England, where many have played county cricket in the past.

What’s Next? Hope for the Wildcard Draft?

Although the main draft has concluded, there is still one final opportunity for players to enter The Hundred. The wildcard draft, set for May 2025, will allow teams to make last-minute selections. While it remains uncertain whether any Pakistani players will be picked, they still have an outside chance.

Pakistani cricket fans and former players have already expressed their disappointment, urging The Hundred organizers to ensure fair selection in the wildcard round. If no Pakistani player is selected even in the wildcard draft, it could further fuel suspicions of systemic bias.

FAQs

1. Why were no Pakistani players selected in The Hundred 2025 draft?

There is no official reason, but speculation includes commercial interests, political factors, and concerns over player availability. Some also believe that the growing influence of IPL-backed franchises might have played a role.

2. Who was the highest-priced Pakistani player in the draft?

Naseem Shah had the highest reserve price among Pakistani players, set at £120,000.

3. Do Pakistani players have a chance to be selected later?

Yes, the wildcard draft in May 2025 offers a final chance for Pakistani players to be selected.

4. Have Pakistani players played in The Hundred before?

Yes, some Pakistani players have participated in previous editions, but representation has always been limited.

5. What impact does this snub have on Pakistani cricket?

It limits exposure, financial opportunities, and competitive experience for Pakistani players while raising concerns about potential biases in international franchise leagues.

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