In a move that has simultaneously broken a 17-year diplomatic deadlock and ignited a firestorm of criticism, SunRisers Leeds owner Kavya Maran successfully secured the services of Pakistani leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed at The Hundred 2026 auction. The acquisition, finalised at Piccadilly Lights in London on Thursday, 12 March, has placed the franchise at the centre of a heated debate regarding sports diplomacy and national sentiment. List of Pakistan Players Sold and Unsold at The Hundred Auction 2026.

Abrar Ahmed was bought for a significant £190,000 (approx. ₹2.34 Crore) after an aggressive bidding war with Trent Rockets. This makes the 27-year-old "mystery" spinner one of the most expensive overseas players in the competition’s history.

Breaking the "Shadow Ban"

The signing is historically significant as it marks the first time since the inaugural IPL season in 2008 that a franchise owned by an Indian conglomerate has actively recruited a Pakistani cricketer. Following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Pakistani players have been excluded from the IPL and its sister leagues in South Africa (SA20) and the UAE (ILT20), all of which feature heavy Indian ownership. ‘Aj Phir LEARN Hai’, Pakistan Funny Memes Go Viral As Top-Order Collapses to 77 for 7 in PAK vs BAN 1st ODI 2026.

Before the auction, reports suggested that the four IPL-linked teams in The Hundred, SunRisers Leeds, MI London, Manchester Super Giants, and Southern Brave, would continue this "shadow ban." However, Maran’s decision to outbid non-IPL-linked teams suggests a prioritisation of talent over long-standing geopolitical trends, following a formal warning from the ECB against discriminatory selection.

SunRisers Leeds Pick Abrar Ahmed

Backlash Over "Operation Sindoor" Comments

While some have praised the move as a step forward for the sport, a large section of Indian fans has reacted with outrage. The backlash is largely rooted in Abrar Ahmed's alleged past social media activity. Critics on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) have pointed to posts where the spinner reportedly mocked the Indian Armed Forces following "Operation Sindoor" in May 2025.

'Shameless Act'

'Shame on Kavya Maran'

'What is Wrong with SunRisers?'

'Beauty With No Brain'

Abrar Ahmed's Statistical Rise

Despite the off-field controversy, Abrar's cricketing credentials remain undisputed. Initially considered a Test specialist, he has evolved into a premier T20 force over the last two years. His performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026, where he took 6 wickets in 4 matches, was a key factor in Leeds' decision to pursue him.

SunRisers Leeds, led by England's white-ball captain Harry Brook and coached by Daniel Vettori, will now have to manage the public relations fallout alongside their on-field preparations. The 2026 edition of The Hundred is scheduled to begin on 21 July, and all eyes will be on Headingley to see how the home crowd receives their newest, and most controversial, star.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 12, 2026 09:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).