Pakistan cricketers are not being considered by Indian-owned franchises for next month's The Hundred auction, sources have told BBC Sport. Players from Pakistan have not featured in the Indian Premier League since 2009 due to diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Four of The Hundred's eight franchises - Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds - are now at least part-owned by companies that control IPL teams.

A senior ECB official indicated to an agent that interest in Pakistan players would be limited to sides not linked to the IPL. Another agent described the situation as "an unwritten rule" across T20 leagues with Indian investment. ECB chief executive Richard Gould said last year he expected "players from all nations to be selected for all teams" in The Hundred and warned "clear anti-discrimination policies" were in place.

Two Pakistan internationals - Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim - appeared in last year's tournament, which was the final edition before new investors took control. The ECB sold its 49% stakes in each franchise last year, raising £500m in private investment. "Our players do not seek favours, they seek a fair field," said one prominent agent, expressing concern about patterns emerging in franchise cricket ecosystems.