The cricket world is buzzing today! In a move that no one saw coming, Sunrisers Leeds has signed Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed during the 2026 Player Auction for The Hundred.
This isn’t just any regular transfer—it is a landmark moment in cricket history. For the first time in years, an Indian-owned franchise has signed a Pakistani international player, breaking a long-standing “unwritten” rule in global T20 leagues.
The Bidding War: How Much Did He Cost?
🔥 Abrar Ahmed sold to IPL-backed franchise Sunrisers Leeds for PKR 6.84 crore!
🇵🇰 Kavya Maran picked by Kavya Maran — first Pakistani player selected by an Indian franchise in The Hundred Auction. 🤯pic.twitter.com/UeK0RAMaVp
— Khan (@ccricket713) March 12, 2026
Abrar Ahmed entered the auction with a base price of £75,000, but he quickly became the center of a “frantic” bidding war.
- Final Price: £190,000 (approximately ₹2.34 Crore)
- Buyer: Sunrisers Leeds (Owned by the Sun Group, who also own SRH in the IPL)
- Competition: They had to fight off a tough challenge from Trent Rockets to secure the leggie spinner.
Why This Signing is Trending
| Reason | Why It Matters |
| Breaking the “Shadow Ban” | Reports suggested Indian-owned teams wouldn’t pick Pakistani players. Sunrisers Leeds just proved them wrong. |
| Kavya Maran’s Bold Move | Sunrisers CEO Kavya Maran and coach Daniel Vettori personally led the charge at the auction table. |
| Abrar’s Mystery Factor | Abrar has been a sensation in T20Is, taking 52 wickets in just 38 matches at an amazing economy of 6.67. |
| Landmark Selection | He is the first Pakistani international signed by an IPL-linked franchise since the early days of the IPL. |
Who Else is in the Sunrisers Leeds Squad?
Led by England’s T20 captain Harry Brook, Sunrisers Leeds is building a powerhouse for the 2026 season. Here are some of Abrar’s new teammates:
- Harry Brook (Captain)
- Mitchell Marsh (Australia)
- Nathan Ellis (Australia)
- Zak Crawley (England)
- Ryan Rickelton (South Africa)
The Controversy & Backlash
While many fans are calling this a win for “merit over politics,” the move has also sparked a massive debate on social media. Some fans in India have trended hashtags like #BoycottSunrisers, citing past tensions. However, the ECB and the franchise have stayed firm, stating that selection is based purely on performance and team needs.
Conclusion
Sunrisers Leeds has definitely built a “bowling heavy” side that will be hard to beat. Whether you agree with the politics or not, there is no denying that Abrar Ahmed is one of the most exciting spinners in the world right now.
Also Read:
IPL 2026 Start Date: When, Where, and How to Watch the Biggest T20 Season Ever
