The Hundred 2026: Ever since Pakistan's star spinner Abrar Ahmed was bought during the Hundred's player auction, it has resulted in a huge controversy. Kavya Maran, the owner of both Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Leeds, had roped in Abrar for a whopping 1,90,000 pounds. But the franchise was soon criticized for this decision. SunTV, the owner of this team, was brutally trolled on social media, and its official X account was suspended as well.
Despite excitement, Abrar is unlikely to participate in the Hundred 2026 due to national duties. According to a Times of India report, his availability may overlap with Pakistan's bilateral series, which may prevent him from receiving an NOC. Pakistan will play a two-match Test series against the West Indies during the Hundred.
The Test series starts on July 15 and runs until August 7, including two Tests and a four-day warm-up match. The Hundred begins on July 21.
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“He might not play The Hundred, given the fact that Pakistan is playing a two-match Test series against West Indies," a source had told The Times of India.
Although Abrar is not currently among Pakistan's top Test spinners, with Noman Ali and Sajid Khan preferred, he may still need Mohsin Naqvi's approval. Whatever he earns from the Hundred would place him among the top eight highest-earning PSL cricketers.
"It is a lot of money. His agent entered his name in the auction, showing confidence in getting the NOC. He is also one of the few current Pakistani players with a good relationship with the PCB chief. His chances of playing in The Hundred are 50-50," the source added.
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Meanwhile, Rajiv Shukla, BCCI vice-president, stated they are not concerned about Sunrisers Leeds signing Abrar.
"Our domain is limited to the IPL. We do not involve ourselves in foreign leagues, nor do we interfere with franchise decisions outside India. It is up to the franchise to sign players abroad, and since there is no such player in the IPL, we are not concerned," Shukla told ANI.