The player auction for the upcoming The Hundred took place today, drawing significant attention from cricket fans around the world. This year’s auction is particularly notable because, for the first time, companies of Indian origin have purchased franchises in the English league.
Due to the presence of Pakistani players in the competition, there had been widespread speculation that franchises owned by Indian entities might avoid signing players from Pakistan. Many believed that buying Pakistani cricketers could trigger strong reactions from Indian fans given the long-standing political and cricketing tensions between the two nations.
However, defying those expectations, the franchise Sunrisers Leeds, owned by Kavya Maran, has signed Pakistani mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed. The decision has quickly become a talking point and sparked controversy online.
🚨SUNRISES LEEDS KAVYA MARAN PICK PAKISTANI PLAYERS.🚨
— Sam (@Cricsam01) March 12, 2026
- Abrar Ahmed Sold to Sunrises leeds at INR 2.2 Crore.😞
First pakisthani player pick by Indian team 🤯pic.twitter.com/3TYywFfWRd
According to reports from the auction, Abrar Ahmed was purchased for ₹2.34 crore. The bidding for the spinner was intense, with Trent Rockets also competing strongly for his signature. After a competitive bidding battle, Sunrisers Leeds ultimately secured the services of the Pakistani spinner.
Soon after the signing was confirmed, social media platforms saw a wave of criticism directed at Kavya Maran and her franchise. Several users questioned the decision, arguing that signing a Pakistani player could upset Indian supporters.
Some critics even described the move as “shameful,” while others threatened to boycott Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Indian Premier League team also owned by Kavya Maran’s group.
At the same time, some cricket fans defended the decision, arguing that franchise leagues are global competitions where selections should be based purely on cricketing merit rather than nationality or political tensions.
As discussions continue to unfold online, the signing of Abrar Ahmed by Sunrisers Leeds has become one of the most debated moments of this year’s The Hundred auction.
