The BBC reported last week that Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds would not consider signing Pakistan players for the competition amid ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan.
That in turn was seen as a potential concern for Cricket Australia, which is considering privatising Big Bash League clubs and would potentially also include some owners from among the Indian Premiers League giants.
Eight Pakistan players featured in this summer's BBL, including the likes of Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan.
it is understood the ECB sent an email to the eight Hundred sides on Sunday, warning them that action would be taken if there is any evidence of discrimination, including ignoring players based on nationality.
"The Hundred was established to reach new audiences, grow the game of cricket and ensure that everyone – regardless of their ethnicity, gender, faith, nationality or other – can feel they belong in our sport," the ECB and eight franchises said in a statement on Tuesday.
"Players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality. All eight teams commit to selection being based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team."
The player auction is scheduled for March 11-12 in London, with 67 Pakistan players having registered, including fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, according to the BBC.
Pakistan players have been effectively barred from the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2009.
The Hundred, the only cricket league in the world that uses the 100-ball format, will be held from July 21 to August 16 and was opened to private investment this year, with four franchises acquired by IPL owners.
- with AAP, PA
