The Hundred: Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed bought by Kavya Maran’s Sunrisers Leads, controversy begins

Displeasure among fans on social media

Indian fans are expressing their anger against Sunrisers Group and Kavya on social media. Talking about Abrar, he was a part of Pakistan’s team in the recently held T-20 World Cup 2026. He took 6 wickets in 4 matches. In The Hundred, he will play a league in Europe for the first time. He has previously been a part of Pakistan Super League (PSL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Major League Cricket (MLC).

fans angry

Was it so important to take Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred auction? Abrar Ahmed has made fun of India many times on social media.

Do national sentiments mean nothing? #TheHundredAuction

— Reetesh Maheshwari (@Reetesh777) March 12, 2026

Sunrisers Leeds is a team owned by Sun Group.

Sunrisers Leeds is wholly owned by Indian media conglomerate Sun Group, led by Kalanithi Maran and his daughter Kavya. The earlier name of this franchise was Northern Superchargers, which was taken under the control of the Indian company this year. After Indian companies bought the team in The Hundred, there was a strong discussion that Pakistani players might not get a chance in the auction, as is seen in IPL and SA-20 league.

13 Pakistani players took part in the auction

13 players from Pakistan were to be included in the auction, but 24 hours ago Shaheen Shah Afridi withdrew his name. Haris Rauf, Sam Ayub and Shadab Khan did not find any buyer. Apart from Abrar, Usman Tariq got the team. Usman was bought by Birmingham Phoenix, which is jointly owned by Warwickshire County Cricket Club and American investment company Knighthead Capital Management. At the same time, no Pakistani player was selected in the women’s auction.

Abrar will now play in The Hundred

Abrar at Headingley, soon 👏

[Play With Fire | SunRisers Leeds] pic.twitter.com/Yqm204j091

— SunRisers Leeds (@sunrisersleeds) March 12, 2026