JAIPUR, India (Diya TV) — A decision in England’s franchise cricket league has triggered a heated debate among Indian cricket fans. The signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed by SunRisers Leeds during The Hundred auction has sparked calls for a boycott of the franchise’s sister brand, SunRisers Hyderabad.
The controversy erupted after SunRisers Leeds secured Abrar for £190,000 (about Rs 2.34 crore) during the league’s auction in London on March 12. The signing marked a rare moment in global cricket. It is the first time in many years that a franchise with Indian ownership has signed a Pakistani international player. The decision quickly triggered backlash on social media. Many Indian fans questioned the move and urged a boycott of the SunRisers brand.
The latest season of The Hundred represents a major shift for the tournament. The league recently moved into a privatized model that attracted several global investors, including Indian franchise owners. This year also marks the first time Indian-owned teams are competing in the league. These teams include SunRisers Leeds, MI London, Manchester Super Giants, and Southern Brave.
SunRisers Leeds made headlines by outbidding rival franchise Trent Rockets to sign Abrar Ahmed. Observers described the move as historic. Indian-owned franchises in other leagues have rarely signed Pakistani players due to long-standing political tensions between India and Pakistan.
However, officials said the team selected Abrar purely for cricket reasons. Head coach Daniel Vettori reportedly pushed strongly for the signing. He views Abrar as a key part of the team’s bowling strategy for the upcoming season.
Despite the cricketing logic, the move quickly ignited controversy online. Hashtags such as #ShameOnSRH and #BoycottSunrisers trended on the platform X. Critics accused the franchise of ignoring national sentiment. Some users said Indian teams had avoided signing Pakistani players for years out of respect for public opinion.
The outrage also focused on alleged social media posts made by Abrar in mid-2025. Some fans claim those posts mocked the Indian Armed Forces during a period of heightened tensions between the two countries. The posts resurfaced shortly after the auction announcement. They intensified criticism directed at the franchise.
Several users also mentioned Kaavya Maran, the face of the SunRisers brand. They accused the management of aggressively pursuing the Pakistani spinner despite the controversy. The franchise has not publicly commented on the social media accusations.
The auction also occurred under strict legal guidelines in the United Kingdom. Officials from the England and Wales Cricket Board reportedly reminded all teams that excluding players based on nationality could violate UK anti-discrimination laws. That warning came just hours before the auction began. Many analysts believe the message played a role in shaping team strategies during bidding.
While several Pakistani stars remained unsold during the initial rounds, SunRisers Leeds ultimately secured Abrar in one of the most talked-about deals of the auction. The Hundred will run from July 21 to Aug. 16 across stadiums in England and Wales.
From a cricket perspective, Abrar Ahmed brings strong credentials. The mystery spinner has become one of the most effective bowlers in white-ball cricket. He has taken 52 wickets in 38 T20 internationals with an impressive economy rate of 6.67.
Coaches see him as a valuable asset in the fast-paced format used in The Hundred. Supporters of the signing say professional sports should prioritize talent and performance rather than political issues.
Despite the team’s cricketing logic, speculation continues about the future of the contract. Some fans pointed to a recent incident involving Mustafizur Rahman and the Kolkata Knight Riders. Earlier in 2026, Mustafizur signed a lucrative deal with the IPL team. The contract ended after the Board of Control for Cricket in India intervened following political pressure.
That case raised questions about whether similar pressure could affect Abrar’s deal. However, experts note a key difference. SunRisers Leeds operates under the authority of the England and Wales Cricket Board, not Indian cricket administrators.
The controversy highlights the growing tension between global franchise leagues and national politics. Cricket now operates in an increasingly international marketplace. Owners, players, and fans come from many countries.
For SunRisers Leeds, the immediate challenge is managing public relations in India while preparing for the upcoming season in England. Whether the backlash fades or grows stronger may determine how Indian-owned franchises approach Pakistani players in future tournaments.
For now, Abrar Ahmed’s signing has become one of the most debated moments in The Hundred’s history. It also reflects how sports decisions can quickly become geopolitical flashpoints in the digital age.
