100: The ECB says players ‘should not be excluded on the basis of nationality’.

“All eight teams commit that selection will be based solely on cricket performance, availability and the needs of each team,” the statement read.

“The ECB is committed to ensuring there is no place for discrimination, and has regulations in place to take strong action to tackle any such behaviour.

“Players should not be excluded based on their nationality.”

In messages seen by the BBC, a senior European Central Bank official indicated to an agent that interest in his Pakistani players would be limited to parties not associated with the Indian Premier League.

Four of The Hundred’s eight franchises – Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds – are at least partly owned by the companies that control the IPL teams.

Another agent described the situation as an “unwritten rule” across T20 leagues with Indian investment.

The ECB and the franchise teams said they were committed to “ensuring The Hundred continues to be an inclusive, welcoming and open competition for all”.

“We want The Hundred to feature the best talent from around the world, and we will continue to work proactively to ensure the competition is a benchmark for inclusivity,” she added.