Sunrisers Leeds Signs Pakistan Spinner Abrar Ahmed, Faces Online Criticism
In a move that has ignited controversy, Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was signed by Sunrisers Leeds during The Hundred Auction 2026. The franchise, which is owned by the same group that operates Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), secured the 27-year-old bowler for £190,000.
Online Backlash Targets Franchise and Co-Owner
Following the announcement on social media platform X, the post was flooded with negative comments. Some fans expressed strong disapproval of an IPL-linked team selecting a Pakistani player, citing the longstanding political tensions between India and Pakistan. The backlash even extended to Kavya Maran, co-owner of Sunrisers Leeds, who faced criticism for roping in the Pakistani bowler.
This reaction highlights the sensitive nature of cross-border cricketing ties. Pakistani players have been absent from the IPL since 2009, with the two nations only competing against each other in global tournaments like the ICC World Cup.
Pre-Auction Speculation and Official Stance
Before the auction, there was widespread speculation that franchises with IPL connections might avoid signing Pakistani cricketers due to the geopolitical climate. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the eight franchises had previously issued a joint statement clarifying that selections would be made purely on merit.
The statement emphasized that picks would be based on "performance, availability, and the needs of each team," underscoring a commitment to cricketing criteria over political considerations.
Mixed Outcomes for Pakistan Players at Auction
Despite Ahmed's high-profile signing, several other Pakistani players faced challenges at the auction:
- Fast bowler Haris Rauf went unsold at his reserve price of £100,000.
- Star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi withdrew from the auction before it began.
- In the women's auction held a day earlier, Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal failed to attract any bids.
Meanwhile, another Pakistan spinner, Usman Tariq, was picked by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000, indicating some opportunities remained for Pakistani talent.
Other Notable Signings in The Hundred Auction
The auction also saw significant investments in other players:
- London Spirit paid £390,000 for uncapped English all-rounder James Cole.
- Welsh Fire spent a combined £540,000 on batter Jordan Cox and former England captain Joe Root.
The 2026 season of The Hundred, featuring both men's and women's tournaments, is scheduled to begin on July 21 and run for four weeks. This event continues to draw attention not only for its cricketing action but also for the broader discussions it sparks regarding international sports diplomacy.
