Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:56pm on 12 Mar 2026,Thursday Sports
Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was signed by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000 during the 2026 auction of The Hundred, sparking criticism from several Indian cricket fans. The franchise, owned by the same group as Sunrisers Hyderabad, faced online calls for boycott after the signing. Many fans questioned the move because Pakistani players have not participated in the IPL since 2009. The England and Wales Cricket Board earlier clarified that selections must be based on performance, not nationality. Despite the controversy, the signing highlights growing international participation in the league ahead of the 2026 season. (PC: Getty Images)
