Abrar Ahmed Picked by Sunrisers Leeds, Fans React to SRH Owners’ Move at The Hundred Auction

Sunrisers Leeds signed Pakistan mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed for GBP 190,000, around INR 2.34 crore, at The Hundred 2026 auction. The deal followed a bidding battle with Trent Rockets and quickly became one of the most talked about moments of the event.

Abrar’s signing is notable because Sunrisers Leeds is owned by the Sun Group, the same owners as IPL side Sunrisers Hyderabad. It makes Abrar the first Pakistani player picked by an Indian-owned franchise in The Hundred.

For years, teams linked to the IPL have avoided signing Pakistan players. That pattern dates back to the political tensions between India and Pakistan and the absence of Pakistani cricketers from the IPL since 2009.

Kavya Maran, who represents the Sun Group and Sunrisers Hyderabad, was present at the auction. She personally approved the bid for Abrar, showing direct backing from the ownership group.

The decision sparked strong reactions online. Many Indian fans criticised the move on social media and accused the franchise owners of ignoring the feelings of Indian supporters.

Some posts even called for protests and boycotts of the franchise. The criticism mainly came from fans who believe IPL-linked teams should continue the unofficial stance of avoiding Pakistan players.

Unbelievable. 😡 Just saw the news about the SRH-owned team picking a Pakistan player in the auction. Do these owners even care about the fans' sentiments?
To see an IPL-backed team go and do this is a total slap in the face. Absolute disgrace.
#BoycottSRH #IPL2026 #Shameful https://t.co/eGjlNUTHnA

— A . K .S (@Aaka08Singh) March 12, 2026

SRH is finished in my books. Will protest at stadium. Kavya maran you have F’ed with the wrong marine.

— Ankit Jain (@indiantweeter) March 12, 2026

At the same auction, Abrar became the second Pakistani player sold. Usman Tariq was earlier picked by Birmingham Phoenix, while several others, including Haris Rauf and Saim Ayub, remained unsold.

Abrar is known for his mystery spin and ability to trouble batters with variations. His performances in international cricket have made him one of Pakistan’s most exciting spin bowlers in recent years.

The Hundred 2026 will run from July 21 to August 16 across England. With the tournament still months away, Abrar’s signing has already created a major talking point.

Whether the controversy fades or grows closer to the tournament remains to be seen. For now, the decision by the Sunrisers ownership group has put both Abrar and Sunrisers Leeds firmly in the spotlight.