Sunrisers Leeds have signed Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred Draft 2026. Soon after the announcement, the decision triggered strong criticism on social media, with some extremist voices targeting the IPL-linked franchise.
When the franchise announced the signing online, the post quickly filled with negative comments. Several users criticized the decision to recruit a Pakistani player for a team connected to an Indian Premier League franchise. Some comments also targeted Sunrisers Leeds co-owner Kavya Maran.
The 27-year-old spinner was signed for £190,000. Sunrisers Leeds is owned by the same group that operates Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.
Before the draft, there had been speculation that franchises linked to the IPL might avoid Pakistani players because of ongoing India–Pakistan political tensions. Pakistani cricketers have not played in the IPL since 2009, and the two countries now meet mainly in global tournaments.
However, ahead of the draft, the England and Wales Cricket Board and the eight franchises released a joint statement. They clarified that player selection would be based solely on “performance, availability and team requirements.” Under that policy, Abrar was signed by Leeds.
Alongside Abrar, another Pakistani player — Usman Tariq — secured a contract. He was picked by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000.
Several other Pakistani players went unsold in the draft. Fast bowler Haris Rauf did not attract any bids at his base price of £100,000, while Shaheen Shah Afridi withdrew before the auction.
Pakistan also had limited success in the women’s draft. Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal did not receive any bids.
The reaction surrounding Abrar’s signing highlights the continuing political sensitivities around India-Pakistan cricket relations, even in leagues outside South Asia.
