Pakistan's Farhan Maintains Hundred Hopes Amid Indian Owner Concerns
Sahibzada Farhan, the leading run-scorer at the ongoing T20 World Cup, has expressed strong optimism about securing a contract to play in the Hundred this year. This comes despite widespread reports that the tournament's four Indian-owned franchises will not consider signing players from Pakistan due to longstanding geopolitical tensions.
Sixty-Three Pakistani Players on Auction Longlist
Farhan is one of sixty-three Pakistani cricketers named on the extensive 710-player longlist for the men's Hundred auction scheduled for March 12. Remarkably, Pakistan has contributed more available players than any other foreign nation, with thirteen of their fifteen-man World Cup squad putting themselves forward for selection.
The selection process requires each of the eight Hundred teams to narrow the longlist down to seventy-five players of primary interest. The England and Wales Cricket Board is expected to publish the resulting shortlist imminently.
"Very Hopeful" for a Deal
"I am very hopeful," stated the 29-year-old Farhan. "Every player aspires to compete in the premier leagues, and the Hundred is undoubtedly one of the best. I hope for the best outcome." He acknowledged, however, that ultimate selection decisions are "not in our hands."
The ECB recently issued a formal warning to all eight franchises, stating that disciplinary action would be taken if any evidence of discriminatory selection policies emerged. "Whichever team shows interest in picking us can do so, and we are prepared to play," Farhan added. "It's not as if there is a lack of interest in our abilities."
Historical Context of Pakistani Player Exclusion
Due to political tensions, Pakistani players have been absent from the Indian Premier League since 2009. This exclusion has extended to other franchise leagues controlled by IPL team owners, including South Africa's SA20 and the UAE's ILT20. Consequently, Farhan's franchise experience remains largely confined to the Pakistan Super League, Pakistan's Champions T20 Cup, and a brief stint in the Bangladesh Premier League.
The ownership landscape of the Hundred shifted significantly last year, with Oval Invincibles, Manchester Originals, Northern Superchargers, and Southern Brave now sharing ownership with IPL franchises. The first three have been rebranded as MI London, Manchester Super Giants, and Sunrisers Leeds, respectively.
Scheduling Conflicts Pose Additional Hurdle
No Pakistani players were selected in the 2025 Hundred auction, partly due to major scheduling clashes. The Pakistan national team was committed to tours in the West Indies and UAE during the tournament window. Similar conflicts could deter potential bidders this year, as Pakistan is scheduled to play two Tests in the West Indies during the Hundred, followed by a three-Test series against England beginning just three days after the final.
Despite these compounded challenges—geopolitical biases and calendar congestion—Farhan and a significant contingent of Pakistani talent remain on the auction list, awaiting their fate as the ECB works to ensure a fair and non-discriminatory selection process for one of cricket's most watched domestic competitions.
