Franchise politics and player nationality have become talking points ahead of The Hundred 2026 auction, but Welsh Fire Co-Owner Sanjay Govil has moved to shut down speculation around his recruitment approach. While speaking to BBC Sport Wales, Govil made clear that selection decisions at the Cardiff-based franchise will not be shaped by nationality.
“I’m not going to discriminate against anybody but I’m going to choose the best players,” Govil said, setting the tone for Welsh Fire’s stance heading into the draft.
His remarks follow reporting by BBC Sport indicating that Pakistan players are likely to be ignored in the auction plans of the four Hundred teams owned by Indian Premier League investors. The development has sparked wider debate given that Pakistan cricketers do not feature in the IPL amid ongoing political tensions, a dynamic that has influenced certain IPL-linked franchises globally.
Auction strategy centred on squad balance
Govil emphasised that Welsh Fire’s recruitment blueprint is driven by team composition rather than geopolitics. “I’m just going to choose the best team which is possible and that’s the instruction which I have given to my team when they go for the auction,” he told BBC Sport Wales.
Welsh Fire were not among the franchises acquired by IPL owners during last year’s equity sales process. Govil, who also owns Major League Cricket side Washington Freedom, secured a 50% stake in the team for GBP 40 million (approx. US$ 53.6 million).
Ahead of the auction, Fire have already completed four direct signings: Phil Salt, Chris Woakes, Marco Jansen and Rachin Ravindra. The latter two occupy overseas slots, tightening the franchise’s flexibility within tournament regulations. They both also play for the Washington Freedom.
Overseas limits shape recruitment decisions
The Hundred permits only four international players in a matchday squad, a restriction Govil acknowledged as a key variable in planning. “You only have four international players who can play. So two, we already have in Marco and Rachin. I have to look at all those things but I’m not going to get boxed by Pakistani or South Africans or this or that,” he explained to BBC Sport Wales.
With overseas positions limited, every draft decision must account for balance across roles and nationalities.
“We are going to select the best team we can, there are going to be Pakistani players in the draft so we just have to look at our needs because the number of international players we can sign is very limited,” Govil added, reinforcing that Pakistani cricketers remain eligible for consideration from his franchise’s perspective.
ECB reiterates anti-discrimination framework
The broader conversation has also drawn attention from the England and Wales Cricket Board. ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould addressed the issue last year, stating, “I expect players from all nations to be selected for all teams. We haven’t had any need to have any discussions at this point. We have got very clear anti-discrimination policies within cricket in England. If those are not adhered to, our Cricket Regulator will take action.”
In recent days, the ECB has written to all eight Hundred franchises to remind them of their responsibilities regarding discrimination and regulatory compliance.
Welsh Fire’s men’s side has previously fielded Pakistan internationals including Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, both of whom are entered into next month’s auction pool.
