Indias Sunrisers sign Pakistani cricketer Abrar in Hundred auction

Pakistani Cricketer Abrar Ahmed Signed by Sunrisers Leeds in Hundred Auction

Sunrisers Leeds has acquired Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed for 190,000 pounds ($254,000) in the men’s auction for the Hundred, a professional cricket league. The signing comes despite concerns that Indian-owned teams might avoid signing cricketers from Pakistan.

In February, media reports suggested that Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds would not consider signing Pakistani players for the competition due to tensions between India and Pakistan. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and all eight franchises have emphasized that players must not be excluded from selection based on nationality.

Abrar Ahmed has played 38 Twenty20s for Pakistan since his debut in 2024, taking 52 wickets with an economy rate of 6.67. Sunrisers Leeds opened the bidding for him at 130,000 pounds ($174,000) before increasing their offer to fend off interest from Trent Rockets.

Other Pakistani players, including Usman Tariq and Shadab Khan, were not signed by other franchises. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi withdrew from the men’s sale, while Haris Rauf went unsold after failing to attract an offer at his reserve price of 100,000 pounds ($134,000).

The Hundred will be held from July 21 to August 16 and features a unique 100-ball format. The league was opened to private investment last year, with four franchises acquired by IPL owners.

In the women’s auction, Pakistani players Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal went unsold.

Source: Al Jazeera