England’s T20 captain Harry Brook has voiced his concerns over reports that Pakistan players could be excluded from four major franchises in The Hundred due to new Indian ownership. Speaking from Sri Lanka ahead of England’s critical T20 World Cup Super 8s clash, Brook labeled the potential absence of Pakistan’s elite talent as a “shame” for the competition.
The ‘Unwritten Rule’: Indian Owners and the Pakistan Snub
The controversy follows the 2025 takeover of several Hundred franchises by IPL-linked owners. As of February 2026, a “de-facto ban” appears to be in place at the following teams:
- Sunrisers Leeds (Sun Group / Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- MI London (Reliance / Mumbai Indians)
- Manchester Super Giants (RPSG Group / Lucknow Super Giants)
- Southern Brave (GMR / Delhi Capitals)
According to reports, these franchises—now part-owned or fully owned by Indian conglomerates—will not consider Pakistan players at the March 2026 auction, mirroring the long-standing restrictions seen in the IPL and South Africa’s SA20.
Harry Brook: Highest Paid Player in The Hundred
The 26-year-old Brook recently made headlines by signing a record-breaking £465,000 deal with Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers). Despite his history with the franchise, Brook confirmed he will step down as captain this season to focus on his international workload.
“Pakistan have been a great cricket nation for many years and have some awesome players, some of the best in the world,” Brook told reporters in Pallekele. “It would be a shame not to see some of them in The Hundred. That part of the tournament is above me, but we want the best playing against the best.”
T20 World Cup: England vs. Sri Lanka Preview
While the ownership row brews in England, Brook’s immediate focus is the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. England faces co-hosts Sri Lanka on Sunday, February 22, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
- The Stakes: A win for Brook’s side would put them in pole position for the semi-finals.
- Recent Form: England recently completed a 3-0 T20 series whitewash against Sri Lanka on these same grounds, with Brook himself in blistering form.
The Hundred 2026: Key Franchise Rebrands
| Former Name | New 2026 Name | Owner |
| Northern Superchargers | Sunrisers Leeds | Sun Group |
| Oval Invincibles | MI London | Reliance Industries |
| Manchester Originals | Manchester Super Giants | RPSG Group |
