Former England captain Michael Vaughan has discovered himself on the centre of a heated on-line debate after calling on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to intervene amid stories that IPL-owned franchises might pass over Pakistan gamers from the public sale for The Hundred 2026.
The controversy has reignited conversations round franchise possession, political tensions, and the broader query of whether or not cricket can really stay insulated from geopolitics. Whereas Vaughan positioned his attraction as a stand for inclusivity, a piece of followers rapidly turned the highlight again on England’s personal sporting selections lately.
Michael Vaughan requires ECB intervention after amid stories of IPL-owned franchises excluding Pakistan gamers from The Hundred 2026
The controversy started after stories steered that franchises linked to Indian Premier League possession teams could not pursue Pakistan gamers on the upcoming public sale for The Hundred 2026. Though no official coverage has been introduced, the hypothesis was sufficient to spark sturdy reactions throughout social media.
Taking to X (previously Twitter), Vaughan urged the ECB to step in and forestall any such transfer.
“The ECB must act quick on this. They personal the league, and this shouldn’t be allowed to occur. Probably the most inclusive sport within the nation is just not one that permits this to occur,” Vaughan wrote.
The ECB have to act quick on this .. they personal the league and this shouldn’t be allowed to occur .. probably the most inclusive sport within the nation is just not one that permits this to occur .. https://t.co/IYysTSIYHt
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 20, 2026
Additionally READ: Here’s why half of The Hundred teams might avoid signing Pakistani players in 2026
Followers accuse Vaughan of double requirements
Nevertheless, Vaughan’s feedback didn’t go down properly with a big part of followers. Many accused the previous skipper of ignoring England’s personal precedents on the subject of geopolitical selections in sport.
A number of customers identified that the UK imposed restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes throughout sporting occasions following the Russia–Ukraine battle. In tennis, Russian and Belarusian gamers had been barred from competing at UK occasions in 2022 — a transfer that drew international consideration on the time.
Others referenced England’s long-standing reluctance to tour Zimbabwe throughout the regime of former president Robert Mugabe. England had halted excursions to Zimbabwe for years, citing political strain, human rights issues, and safety dangers. For a lot of critics, these examples weakened Vaughan’s argument that sport in England has all the time stood above politics.
One other strand of criticism centered on the ECB’s choice to open The Hundred’s franchise stakes to Indian Premier League traders. Followers questioned whether or not it was contradictory to ask personal possession teams after which count on them to not function in keeping with their very own strategic or political issues.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
Probably the most “inclusive” board in cricket historical past (ECB) is but to play Zimbabwe within the final 2 a long time!! https://t.co/ngZKtP8XGC
— Slogger (@kirikraja) February 20, 2026
🚨Michael Vaughan speaking about “defending the sport” now?
Cricket doesn’t belong to 1 board anymore. The Board of Management for Cricket in India modified the sport, raised the requirements, and constructed the largest stage in world cricket whereas the
England and Wales Cricket Board simply… https://t.co/Fk1IQZdOJO pic.twitter.com/jgW275RXVY
— lokesh logu (@lokiMSD93) February 20, 2026
why there are restrictions on Russian gamers in UK sports activities?… i’ve stated many occasions that these individuals are jealous of us and can go to any lengths even supporting a rogue nation that harbors terrorism
and that is the place bcci & gov failed miserably https://t.co/JeQD388pEu— @SA_SRK (@Srk_sa007) February 21, 2026
IOC has banned Russia for the way lengthy now 🤡 https://t.co/g10SZDsjMA
— Ujjwal Sinha उज्ज्वल सिन्हा (@ujjwal1976) February 20, 2026
Russian athletes may be banned however a rustic like Pakistan that may be a breeding floor for terrorist is getting sympathy?
What number of extra harmless lives have to be misplaced earlier than that nation will take accountability of all of the nonsense they do? https://t.co/wbF1MHzkfE— Karen Noronha 🇮🇳 ⊙⊝⊜ (@Karen_noronha09) February 20, 2026
Possibly run the league yourselves then and do not go to Indian traders? https://t.co/YUWmTKKdjD
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) February 20, 2026
ECB has each proper to say, ” we dont require cash to run the franchise”. By the best way is there any official communication saying so…Each Franchise has proper to decide on their very own group…Pricey Michael develop up now…when r u enjoying with Zim? https://t.co/CYPDAN7Tii
— Anand Bellad (@anandbellad) February 21, 2026
That is enterprise why non performer pakistani gamers will probably be included ?? Why eCB not not giving NOC to PSL?? https://t.co/c2UBvPGqhR
— Ravi Singh (@ravimay25) February 20, 2026
Stunned by the outrage over Indian franchises not choosing Pakistani gamers.
Franchise cricket runs on personal capital — not charity. Traders put in large cash and make selections primarily based on enterprise pursuits, not ethical lectures.
If it is so unfair, here is a thought: carry… https://t.co/mRH9qQ4iI8
— The Nightwatchman (@SoyalSayyad) February 20, 2026
I adore it when Ind-pak factor irritates English https://t.co/87NMmQBfQD
— Neel (@hypocrite_nri) February 20, 2026
There was a time when the winds of energy blew from Britain to India; now the tide has turned, and Indian voices echo with energy in Britain. https://t.co/GIGJjCzA7x pic.twitter.com/xzPHSmWdmx
— Tarun🏏 (@Tarun113344) February 20, 2026
Purchase your personal group after which carry all of the Pakistani gamers to please your undesirable commentary.
The homeowners has put their danger capital to purchase the group they usually have all the liberty to purchase which participant they wish to signify their group. https://t.co/eWJMgTdSTB
— AJAYA KUMAR ROUT (@akrout81) February 20, 2026
Additionally READ: From Dewald Brevis to Jos Buttler: Complete list of direct signings and retained players for The Hundred Men’s 2026
