Sunrisers Leeds Faces Backlash Over Abrar Ahmed Signing in The Hundred

Sunrisers Leeds has stirred controversy by signing Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed during The Hundred 2026 auction, facing backlash from Indian fans. The franchise's decision has raised questions about the inclusion of Pakistani players in Indian-owned teams, especially given the IPL's ban on them. Coach Daniel Vettori explained that the team aimed to strengthen their squad after missing out on Adil Rashid, emphasizing that their focus was solely on selecting the best players available. This article delves into the reactions and implications of this signing.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 10:11 IST

Controversy Surrounds Abrar Ahmed's Signing

Sunrisers Leeds has ignited controversy by signing Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed during the 2026 Hundred auction. This decision has drawn significant criticism from Indian fans, who are unhappy with the franchise's choice. Given that Pakistani players are barred from participating in the IPL, many supporters expect Indian-owned teams to uphold this ban across other T20 leagues as well. Despite speculation that Indian franchises would refrain from bidding on Pakistani players, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has stated that discrimination has no place in the Hundred. Alongside Abrar, Usman Tariq also secured a contract with Birmingham Phoenix.

In response to the backlash, Sunrisers coach Daniel Vettori addressed the situation, explaining the rationale behind selecting Abrar. He noted that the team had initially aimed for Adil Rashid but shifted focus to Abrar after missing out on Rashid. Vettori expressed satisfaction with the acquisition, stating, 'We are very pleased to have Abrar in the squad.'

“Once we missed out on Adil Rashid [to Southern Brave], who was a priority early on, then we obviously jumped into the overseas spinner. There were four or five guys that we were looking at, and Abrar was one of them. Very pleased to get him,” Vettori remarked following the auction.

Vettori Discusses Team Strategy
'Usman Tariq, Rishad Hussain Were Also On Radar'

Vettori further clarified that the management did not have discussions regarding the exclusion of Pakistani players during the auction. Their primary goal was to assemble the strongest squad possible. After failing to secure Adil Rashid, they turned their attention to Abrar. He mentioned that they also considered Bangladesh's Rishad Hussain and Pakistan's Usman Tariq.

“We just planned for everyone who was in the auction. There wasn't a discussion about not picking Pakistan players. It was just a matter of who was the best option. After we missed out on Adil Rashid, the priority was going to get a spin bowler, and we didn't think that quality was in the local market, so we had to jump overseas. Rishad Hussain, Usman Tariq, and Abrar Ahmed were all guys that were on our radar,” Vettori added.