Kavya Maran Faces Backlash as Indian-Owned Sunrisers Leeds Signs Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred Auction
LONDON — Sunrisers Leeds generated significant online debate during The Hundred 2026 auction after securing Pakistan international Abrar Ahmed for £190,000. The acquisition by the Indian-owned franchise drew immediate pushback across social media platforms, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical complexities surrounding cricket ownership.
The Sunrisers Connection and Social Media Response
The SUN Group, which operates Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, recently expanded its portfolio by acquiring the Leeds-based franchise ahead of the 2026 season. Following the official announcement of Ahmed’s signing on X, franchise co-owner Kavya Maran became the target of critical comments from fans questioning the decision of an IPL-linked ownership group to draft a Pakistani player.
Pakistani cricketers have not participated in the IPL since its inaugural 2008 season due to strained political relations between New Delhi and Islamabad. The two nations currently only compete against each other in multi-nation tournaments sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Prior to the auction, industry speculation suggested that IPL-affiliated teams might bypass Pakistani talent to avoid domestic backlash.
ECB Draft Regulations and Pakistan Player Results
Anticipating potential friction regarding ownership conflicts, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and franchise representatives issued a joint statement affirming that player selections would remain objective. The governing body stated that draft picks are determined purely by “performance, availability, and the needs of each team.”
Ahmed, a 27-year-old leg-spinner who commands a formidable T20 economy rate, was not the only Pakistan international to secure a contract during the proceedings. Birmingham Phoenix drafted spinner Usman Tariq for £140,000. However, the broader contingent of Pakistani players experienced mixed results on the auction block.
Pakistan Draft Outcomes
| Player | Franchise | Status | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abrar Ahmed | Sunrisers Leeds | Signed | £190,000 |
| Usman Tariq | Birmingham Phoenix | Signed | £140,000 |
| Haris Rauf | N/A | Unsold | Reserve: £100,000 |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | N/A | Withdrawn | N/A |
In the women’s draft held 24 hours earlier, Pakistan internationals Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal failed to attract any bids and remained unsold at the conclusion of the event.
Domestic Signings and The Hundred 2026 Schedule
Beyond the international signings, domestic English players commanded top valuations during the draft.
- London Spirit: Allocated £390,000 for uncapped English all-rounder James Cole.
- Welsh Fire: Executed a combined £540,000 expenditure to secure batter Jordan Cox and former England test captain Joe Root.
The 2026 season of The Hundred will feature concurrent men’s and women’s competitions. The tournament commences on July 21 and will operate across a four-week schedule.