Top Pakistani cricketers, including Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Shadab Khan, faced disappointing outcomes during the Hundred Draft held on March 15, 2025. Despite signing up for the high-stakes event, which featured 50 players from Pakistan, none attracted any bids, highlighting concerning trends for Pakistani cricket.
The draft was significant not only for showcasing cricketing talent but also reflected the broader market dynamics influenced by the Indian Premier League (IPL). Among the participants, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan were positioned at the top category price bracket of £120,000, whereas Saim Ayub registered himself at £78,500. Yet, remarkably, these top-tier players did not find any takers during the event.
The scenario was even more pronounced among the female cricketers — Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Yusra Amir, Iram Javed, and Jaweria Rauf also failed to secure bids, emphasizing the wider issues within the draft.
Several factors could have contributed to this situation. Notably, the increasing stakes of IPL franchises within the Hundred framework played a considerable role. Currently, four IPL franchises have invested significantly: Mumbai Indians now hold equity in the Oval Invincibles, Lucknow Super Giants control the Manchester Originals, Sunrisers Hyderabad have stakes with the Northern Superchargers, and Delhi Capitals are linked with the Southern Brave. These franchises’ interests may overshadow the local talents, particularly from countries like Pakistan.
Further complicate matters, Sanjay Govil, an Indian-American entrepreneur, acquired 50% of Welsh Fire, along with Cricket Investor Holdings Limited, which bought 49% of the London Spirit. This influx of capital and interest from IPL teams potentially sidelines non-IPL players, burdening them with intense competition.
Last year, Pakistani players like Naseem and Shaheen Shah Afridi encountered NOC (No Objection Certificate) related issues with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which affected their presence and participation levels within such leagues and tournaments. This history may have played against their chances, coupled with their relatively modest performances in white-ball formats. The failure to garner interest from franchises, particularly with strong Premier League affiliations, showcases how these dynamics affect player movement across international leagues.
The failure to attract bids has raised concerns about the competitive viability of Pakistani cricketers on the international stage. The collective absence of representation from Pakistan's top talents could suggest larger ramifications for the upcoming seasons, posing questions about how such dynamics may affect the players' careers and the future of Pakistani cricket.
Notably, the market response to Pakistani players demonstrates the need for introspection within the cricketing community. With increasingly muddled dynamics, external influences can significantly determine the competencies of players and teams globally.
The outcome of the Hundred Draft reflects more than just the individual efforts of players — it signifies the intersection of national pride with the realities of modern cricket as driven by market forces. The Pakistani cricket community, along with supporters of the sport, hopes for rejuvenation within their teams as challenges like these continue to pose hurdles.
With the ever-evolving nature of cricket's business side, it will be intriguing to watch how these trends develop. Will there be renewed investment or consideration for Pakistani cricketers, or will they continue to find themselves sidelined as international cricket progresses? It’s questions like these — borne from events such as the Hundred Draft — which remain at the heart of discussions among cricket pundits and fans alike.