All eight franchises in The Hundred, alongside the England and Wales Cricket Board, have stated that selection will be made on merit.
The response follows reports that Pakistan players were not being considered by Indian owned teams before next month’s auction. Pakistan cricketers have not featured in the Indian Premier League since 2009 amid diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
In a joint statement, the ECB reiterated its stance on discrimination.
“All eight teams commit to selection being based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team,” read the statement.
“The ECB is committed to ensuring there is no place for discrimination, and has regulations in place to take robust action to tackle any such conduct.
“Players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality.”
Messages seen by the BBC suggested a senior ECB official indicated to an agent that interest in his Pakistan clients would be limited to sides not linked to the IPL.
Four Hundred franchises, Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds, have part ownership linked to IPL teams. One agent described the situation as “an unwritten rule” across T20 leagues with Indian investment.
The ECB and franchises added they were committed “to ensuring The Hundred continues to be a competition that is inclusive, welcoming and open to all”.
“We want The Hundred to feature the very best talent from across the world, and will continue working proactively to ensure that the competition is a benchmark for inclusivity,” the statement continued.
Pressure has mounted on the ECB since Harry Brook, England’s limited overs captain, said it would be “a shame” if Pakistan players were excluded.
Sixty seven Pakistan players have registered for the auction. The competition runs from 21 July to 16 August.
The UK government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has discussed the matter with the ECB.
A DCMS spokesperson said: “The Hundred plays a significant role in attracting new audiences and inspiring grassroots participation.
“It is important that the tournament remains free from discrimination and nationality should not be a deciding factor in the selection of players.
“The ECB has assured us that it has reminded teams of the same expectation.”
In a statement to the BBC, a spokesperson for the Mayor of London added: “Cricket should be open to everyone, and excluding players for no other reason than their nationality would be unacceptable.
“The Mayor calls on the ECB to take action to address the situation ahead of the auction.”