The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla said the board has no authority over Sunrisers Leeds’ decision to sign Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for the upcoming edition of The Hundred. The franchise, owned by Sun TV, has faced significant backlash on social media for acquiring Abrar despite national sentiment in India. Kavya Maran, the franchise owner, has also come under criticism, and the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Sunrisers Leeds was temporarily suspended.
On Friday, Shukla clarified that the decision lies entirely with the franchise, as overseas leagues do not fall under the BCCI’s jurisdiction. “This is not at all concerned with the IPL. It’s an overseas league. This is not in our domain. We cannot do anything. They have to take a call,” he told ANI.
Abrar, currently the World No. 3 T20I bowler, was picked up by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000 (around USD 255,000) during the auction on Thursday. Head coach Daniel Vettori and owner Kavya Maran placed the winning bid, beating the Trent Rockets. Vettori explained that the franchise targeted Abrar after Adil Rashid went to another team. He added that Usman Tariq was also in their plans, but Abrar’s inclusion made another spinner unnecessary.
Since October 2025, four teams in The Hundred have had investment from Indian owners. There were earlier reports suggesting a “shadow ban” on Pakistani players, implying that no franchise with Indian involvement would select Pakistani players. Sunrisers Leeds’ acquisition of Abrar and Tariq has dispelled those rumours.
Despite this, the decision has sparked criticism in India, with many calling for the franchise to release Abrar. Earlier this year, Kolkata Knight Riders faced backlash for selecting Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman following communal tensions in Bangladesh. The BCCI eventually intervened, asking KKR to release the pacer. The incident had broader implications, including Bangladesh refusing to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, with Scotland taking their place. (Agency)
