The player draft for The Hundred 2025 took place on March 12, with no Pakistan players securing contracts. Despite 45 men’s cricketers registering, all remained unselected.
In the men’s draft, Naseem Shah was the highest-priced Pakistan player, setting a reserve price of £120,000. Imad Wasim and Saim Ayub listed at £78,500, while Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Hasnain entered at £63,000.
Several others, including Mohammad Abbas and Haider Ali, registered without reserve prices. With overseas slots still available, the complete omission of Pakistan players was unexpected. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad and New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell secured £200,000 deals, the highest among overseas signings.
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The draft also marked a shift in The Hundred’s structure, with external investments entering franchises. Four teams are now backed by IPL owners, a league where Pakistan players have been absent since the very first edition back in 2008.
England’s veteran pacer James Anderson was another high-profile omission. The 42-year-old, set to play in the T20 Blast, was overlooked for one of the 26 domestic spots but remains eligible for a wildcard pick.
Elsewhere, Australia’s David Warner landed his first Hundred contract, signing with London Spirit for £120,000, while Champions Trophy Player of the Tournament Rachin Ravindra joined Manchester Originals.
England internationals also secured lucrative deals, with Jamie Overton and David Willey earning £200,000 contracts. Teams can still make final adjustments in May’s wildcard draft before the tournament begins on August 5.
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