LONDON (AP) — Hundreds organizers and teams said Tuesday that cricket is “inclusive” and “open to everyone” after claims that Indian-owned franchises could exclude Pakistani players.
The England and Wales Cricket Board and all eight teams issued a joint statement after the BBC reported that Manchester Supergiants, MI London, Souths Braves and Leeds Sunrisers would not consider any Pakistani cricketers in March’s hundred auction.
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“The Hundred was established to attract new audiences, grow cricket and ensure that everyone – regardless of their race, gender, creed, nationality or otherwise – can feel they belong in our game. This has been a guiding principle from the beginning and remains at the heart of everything we do,” the statement read.
It said teams are committed to “selecting based solely on cricket performance, availability and the needs of each team”.
The ECB said there were provisions to take “robust action” against discrimination.
“Players cannot be excluded because of their nationality,” it said.
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The governing body reportedly sent an email to eight teams on Sunday warning them that they would take action if there was any evidence of discrimination, including ignoring players based on their nationality.
A total of 67 Pakistani players – 63 men and four women – have signed up for next month’s auction.
Long-standing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan have cast a pall over cricket for years.
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