The ECB's new policy to prevent players from participating in global franchise leagues apart from IPL has sparked tensions between the board and its players. It is being reported that a group of English players are threatening to boycott next year's Hundred if the policy fails to change in the near future. 

The players have raised it as a nuclear option with their agents, and in crisis talks with the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA), but so far the PCA has refrained from making further comments on this matter.

What is all the fuss regarding ECB's NOC policy? 

English players are required to obtain a NOC in order to participate in global franchise limited-overs tournaments. With the ECB's new NOC policy coming into effect this week, players have been left scrambling for clarification. 

Experts suggest that the wording of the policy is not believed to be in line with the details briefed by the ECB. Moreover, the limited consultation with the PCA before its publication, further adds fuel to fire. 

An estimated 40-50 English players have conveyed their frustration to the PCA and suggested potential steps to come to a resolution. Some of the steps included the idea of a collective policy of non-engagement with the Hundred's retention process, which is expected to begin imminently and run until late February.

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What's in store for ECB and its players?

Although the English players are visibly upset with ECB's latest NOC policy, such a practice in reality may seem far-fetched. For one thing, the ECB have approved a pay rise for the 2025 edition of the Hundred and that figure is supposed to surge a lot higher once deals with the private investors are signed off. 

Secondly, the group of players who have voiced their concerns are mostly not the ones on England's central contract. However, a handful few have been featured in the Hundred's higher earners last year.

Before deciding on its own course of action, the PCA is awaiting legal counsel, and a number of players are seeking clarification on whether they will be given NOCs to fulfill long-standing obligations over the winter. 

None of the Indian players have been retained in The Hundred 2024, as indicated by the retained list. Notably absent are prominent figures such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh, who were key contributors to The Hundred 2023.

This shift in player composition adds an intriguing element to the upcoming season, signaling potential changes in team dynamics and strategies on the field. In the men’s competition, teams are permitted to retain up to 10 players, while in the women’s league, they have the option to keep up to eight.

With a total of 137 players retained across both divisions, there are still 75 spots open for selection in The Hundred Draft, set to take place at The Shard on Wednesday, March 20. During this draft, teams will have the opportunity to choose from a pool of domestic and international players to complete their squads.

The Absence of Indian Stars in The Hundred 2024 Retained List

Northern Superchargers, led by cricket legend Freddie Flintoff, will have the honor of making the first pick in the men’s category, while Birmingham Phoenix, with Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine among their retained players, will kick off the selection process in the women’s division.

The full list of eligible players for The Hundred Draft will be revealed on Monday, March 4, allowing teams to strategize their picks. The fourth edition of The Hundred is set to commence at The Kia Oval on Tuesday, July 23, featuring an opening double-header between Oval Invincibles and Birmingham Phoenix.

This marks the beginning of an exciting season, filled with anticipation and competition as teams vie for victory in the fast-paced format of the game.

Kate Cross, a prominent bowler for Northern Superchargers and England Women, expressed her delight at being retained by her team, highlighting the significance of maintaining a cohesive core group for sustained success.

Her sentiments echo the sentiments of many players and fans alike as they gear up for the upcoming season of The Hundred.

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Retained players

Birmingham Phoenix Women: Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, Issy Wong, Emily Arlott, Hannah Baker, Sterre Kalis, Charis Pavely

London Spirit Women: Heather Knight, Grace Harris, Danielle Gibson, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Georgia Redmayne, Sophie Munro, Tara Norris

Manchester Originals Women: Sophie Ecclestone, Laura Wolvaardt, Emma Lamb, Mahika Gaur, Fi Morris, Kathryn Bryce, Ellie Threlkeld, Liberty Heap

Northern Superchargers Women: Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Wareham, Kate Cross, Bess Heath, Linsey Smith, Alice Davidson-Richards, Hollie Armitage, Marie Kelly

Oval Invincibles Women: Marizanne Kapp, Alice Capsey, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Tash Farrant, Mady Villiers, Paige Schofield, Sophia Smale, Ryana MacDonald-Gay

Southern Brave Women: Danni Wyatt, Chloe Tryon, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Freya Kemp, Georgia Adams, Rhianna Southby, Mary Taylor

Trent Rockets Women: Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alana King, Bryony Smith, Kirstie Gordon, Alexa Stonehouse, Grace Potts