The Hundred 2026 Auction: Pakistani Spinner Abrar Ahmed signed by Sunrisers Leeds

Abrar Ahmed is one of only two Pakistani players to be selected for this year’s competition

LONDON: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-March 12nd, 2026) Pakistani mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed has been signed by the Sunrisers Leeds franchise in England’s domestic cricket tournament, The Hundred 2026, for £190,000 (approximately PKR 7.12 million). The signing came during the high-profile player auction for the tournament.

Abrar Ahmed is one of only two Pakistani players to be selected for this year’s competition. In a separate move, Birmingham Phoenix acquired another Pakistani spinner, Usman Tariq, for £140,000 (around PKR 5.32 million).

Ahead of the auction, speculation had circulated that no franchise with Indian ties would pick a Pakistani player. However, Sunrisers Leeds, owned by Kavya Miran, proved the rumors wrong, generating significant attention and discussion on social media.

The move has also sparked criticism from some Indian social media users, who questioned Miran’s decision to include a Pakistani player in her team, highlighting the cross-border sensitivities often present in cricket leagues.

Abrar Ahmed’s selection is being hailed as a milestone for Pakistan’s emerging spinners, reflecting the growing recognition of young talent in international domestic leagues beyond South Asia. Experts say such opportunities can boost the careers of Pakistani cricketers and strengthen their exposure to high-level competition.

Both Sunrisers Leeds and Birmingham Phoenix will feature the Pakistani players in The Hundred 2026, which begins later this year, offering a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills to a global audience.