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Sunrisers Leeds, the sister franchise of Indian Premier League (IPL) outfit Sunrisers Hyderabad, has made a controversial move by signing Pakistan spinner Abarar Ahmed in The Hundred's inaugural auction, shattering the prevailing trend of Indian team owners shunning Pakistani talent in prominent T20 leagues.
SunRisers Leeds bought Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for £190,000 (approx. Rs 2.34 crore) on Thursday. This marked a bold historic move, as SunRisers Leeds became the first IPL-affiliated side to sign a Pakistani cricketer, breaking a long-standing trend.
Kavya Maran, CEO of SunRisers Leeds, played a pivotal role in the franchise's acquisition of Abrar Ahmed, outbidding Trent Rockets at the auction in London, alongside head coach Daniel Vettori.
The 27-year-old leg-spinner, Ahmed, has represented Pakistan in 46 Tests, 28 ODIs, and 52 T20Is.
However, this move by SunRisers Leeds has invited criticism from the fans on social media.
🚨 Kavya Maran's franchise Sunrisers Leeds acquired Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for £190k.
— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) March 12, 2026
Abrar was literally used to mock India with the having tea picture and used to mock Indian players with unwanted celebrations in Asia Cup.
Shame on you SRH 🤦
pic.twitter.com/U0xvq072Eo
🚨 ABRAR AHMED PICKED BY KAVYA MARAN'S SUNRISERS 🚨
— Fan Account Richard Kettlebourogh (@RichKettle07) March 12, 2026
Abrar Ahmed is signed by Kavya Maran's Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000 - becoming the first Pak player to be picked by Indian franchise 👏🏻
Now, Pakistan can't blame India for not picking their Players 😆pic.twitter.com/rANe1PTmII
Abrar Ahmed has been Bought by Kavya Maran of Sunrisers and Usman Tariq has been bought by US Owned Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred League.
— Rohit (@Iam_Rohit_G) March 12, 2026
Haris Rauf, Shadab and Other Players went unsold. Shaheen Withdrew as he was told no one will bid for him..
Abrar and Usman Tariq - Both… pic.twitter.com/EQOXivZ6i1
Shame is a small word!!
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) March 12, 2026
Imagine the outrage, if KKR or any of their franchise had bought this mf named Abrar Ahmed who is the biggest hater of India & consistently post anti-India stuff on his Instagram!! pic.twitter.com/NUmhTBkKez
🚨 Kavya Maran's franchise Sunrisers Leeds acquired Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for £190k.
— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) March 12, 2026
Abrar Ahmed was literally used to mock India with the cup of tea gesture during operation sindoor and used to mock Indian players during the Asia Cup with unwanted celebration.
One thing… pic.twitter.com/v3LIRYeqMB
Earlier, Pakistan's enigmatic spinner Usman Tariq set the tone for the auction, fetching £140,000 as Birmingham Phoenix snapped him up.
Since debuting in 2024, Abrar has claimed 52 wickets in 38 matches, boasting a remarkable average of 17.36 and an economy rate of 6.67, making him a hot property in the league.