Pakistan leg spinner Abrar Ahmed has been picked by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000 at The Hundred 2026 player auction on Thursday. This move surprised many, as it dispelled earlier speculation that franchises connected to the Indian Premier League were likely to avoid signing Pakistani players.
Who owns the Sunrisers franchise?
The Sunrisers franchise, which is owned by the Indian conglomerate Sun Group led by Kalanithi Maran, showed strong interest in Abrar and eventually secured him for approximately ₹2.34 crore. The auction, held at the iconic Piccadilly Lights, saw Sunrisers outbidding Trent Rockets to get the Pakistani spinner in their squad.
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This is the first time in several years that an IPL-linked franchise has recruited a Pakistani cricketer in an overseas league auction.
The reaction on social media, however, was mixed. Some fans criticised the decision, recalling Abrar’s past controversial remarks mocking India and army personnel.
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Who is Abrar Ahmed?
Abrar Ahmed is a Pakistan mystry leg spinner who represented Pakistan in 46 Tests, 28 ODIs, and 52 T20Is. He was part of Pakistan’s squad in the 2026 T20 World Cup and impressed with a 3/23 spell against Sri Lanka in the Super Eight stage.
This will be Abrar’s first T20 league in Europe, having previously played in the Pakistan Super League, Bangladesh Premier League, and Major League Cricket (MLC). His participation in The Hundred will require approval from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Sunrisers Leeds, formerly known as the Northern Superchargers, came under Sun Group’s ownership this year, marking their debut season under the Indian company.
Earlier on auction day, another Pakistani spinner, Usman Tariq, who is known for his unique pause in bowling and standout performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, was bought by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000, becoming the first Pakistani player sold in this year’s auction.
Sunrisers Leeds squad
Harry Brook (retained), Brydon Carse (retained), Mitch Marsh (direct signing), Nathan Ellis (direct signing), Ryan Rickelton, Zak Crawley, Matthew Potts, Dan Lawrence, Abrar Ahmed