The Hundred is cricket’s version of a fast-paced disco, but it seems some of the world’s best dancers aren’t on the guest list. Despite being superstars in the T20 format, Pakistan’s top cricketers like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are finding themselves sidelined. This isn’t because they lack talent. Instead, a mysterious “unwritten rule” appears to be at play.
The drama centers on the fact that several teams in The Hundred are owned by Indian Premier League (IPL) bosses. Because of the long-standing political tension between India and Pakistan, these owners are reportedly hesitant to sign Pakistani players. It is like being the best singer in town but getting rejected by a choir because the conductor is your neighbor who doesn’t talk to you.
Agents in the cricket world are now speaking out about this invisible wall. They suggest that even if a player is a match-winner, the owners prefer to play it safe. They want to avoid any controversy back home in India. This leaves fans in a weird spot. We want to see the fastest bowlers and the smoothest batters, but the team sheets look a bit empty.
While the official rules don’t ban anyone, the silence during the draft speaks volumes. Pakistan’s stars are basically being “ghosted” by the big bosses. It is a strange situation where politics hits a six over the boundary of sportsmanship. For now, the world’s best bowlers might have to watch the tournament from their couches while the IPL owners keep their rosters “safe” and predictable.
