Why BCCI's Rajeev Shukla Weighed in on Abrar Ahmed's Signing by Sunrisers Leeds

In a recent statement, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla clarified the board's lack of involvement in the signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed by Sunrisers Leeds during the Hundred Auction. He emphasized that the decision is tied to an overseas league, not the IPL. This acquisition has stirred controversy among fans, leading to criticism on social media and a temporary suspension of the team's account. The article delves into the implications of this signing, the historical context of Pakistani players in the IPL, and the dynamics of the auction process.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 17:17 IST

BCCI's Stance on Abrar Ahmed's Acquisition

New Delhi: Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has made it clear that the Indian cricket authority does not influence the signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed by the franchise Sunrisers Leeds during the Hundred Auction. He pointed out that this transaction is related to an overseas league, distinct from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

In his comments, Shukla stressed that the choice rests solely with the franchise, as the signing pertains to a league outside of India. He stated, “This is their own decision because this is not our league. This has not been done for the IPL; it has been done for a league outside India. It is entirely their own decision. There is some league in England for which they are doing this.”

The decision to acquire Abrar by the Indian-owned Sunrisers Leeds sparked criticism among fans, who took to social media platform X to express their discontent, labeling the franchise's actions as anti-national.

Following the backlash, the team's account on X faced a temporary suspension, although it has since been reinstated.

Sun TV, which also owns Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape, finalized its purchase of the franchise formerly known as Northern Superchargers by acquiring a 49 percent stake from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the remaining 51 percent from Yorkshire for approximately 100 million pounds last year.

Earlier reports indicated that IPL franchises would likely refrain from bidding on Pakistani players, and the initial phases of Thursday’s auction seemed to confirm this trend until Abrar was selected.

Since 2009, no Pakistani player has participated in the IPL, and franchise owners who have invested in T20 leagues globally have generally steered clear of signing players from Pakistan.

However, the ECB announced last month that auction selections would be determined solely by ‘cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team.’

Abrar was the second Pakistani player to be sold during the auction on Thursday morning, following mystery spinner Usman Tariq, who was acquired by Birmingham Phoenix for 140,000 pounds. Other Pakistani players, including Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan, went unsold.