BCCI Responds to Controversy Over Abrar Ahmed's Signing by Sunrisers Leeds

The signing of Pakistani cricketer Abrar Ahmed by Sunrisers Leeds has stirred controversy, prompting BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla to clarify the Board's position on foreign league signings. This marks a significant moment as Abrar becomes the first Pakistani player to join an Indian-owned team in The Hundred. The move has faced backlash due to past comments made by the spinner regarding the Indian military. The auction's geopolitical implications and the historical context of Pakistani players in Indian leagues are also explored.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 14:08 IST

BCCI's Stance on Foreign League Signings

In light of the recent controversy surrounding the signing of Pakistani cricketer Abrar Ahmed by Sunrisers Leeds during The Hundred auction, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla stated on Friday that the Board cannot interfere, as this pertains to a foreign league and the franchise must make its own decision.

Controversy Surrounding the Spinner's Acquisition

Sunrisers Leeds secured the leg-spinner for £190,000 (approximately US$255,000) at the inaugural men's Hundred auction held in London, marking him as the first Pakistani player to join an Indian-owned team in this tournament.

This signing has led to significant backlash on social media directed at Sunrisers Leeds co-owner Kavya Maran, with critics highlighting past comments made by the 27-year-old spinner that allegedly mocked the Indian Air Force and Army during the events of Operation Sindoor in May of the previous year.

Background on Sunrisers Leeds

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the Indian media conglomerate Sun TV acquired full ownership of the franchise, previously known as Northern Superchargers, last year. They purchased a 49% stake from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the remaining 51% from Yorkshire for around £100 million. Additionally, stakes in three other Hundred teams were sold to investors who also own IPL franchises.

Historically, Sunrisers, which includes sister franchises Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in SA20, has never signed an active Pakistani player. The Leeds team won a bidding contest against Trent Rockets to acquire Abrar just before the lunch break.

Geopolitical Context of the Auction

The auction faced scrutiny regarding whether franchises owned by IPL investors would bid for Pakistani players, amid rumors of a potential 'shadow-ban'. Despite this, the eight teams affirmed their commitment to selections based on 'performance, availability, and team needs'.

Abrar was the second Pakistani player sold during the auction, following Usman Tariq, who was acquired by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000 (around US$187,000). Both Trent Rockets and Phoenix are co-owned by their respective counties, Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire, along with American investment groups.

While Pakistani players have participated in various global T20 leagues associated with IPL franchises, no active Pakistani international has played in the IPL since 2008 due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.