IPL-Linked Franchise Sunrisers Leeds Signs Pakistani Spinner Abrar Ahmed for £190,000 in The Hundred
Pakistani leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed has made headlines after being signed by Sunrisers Leeds, an IPL-owned franchise, at The Hundred auction for £190,000 (around Rs. 6.84 crore). The deal marks one of the highest prices ever paid for an overseas spinner in the competition’s history.
Abrar entered the auction with a base price of £75,000, but an intense bidding war—including reported interest from Trent Rockets—more than doubled his value before Sunrisers Leeds secured his services. This acquisition is especially notable as Abrar is reportedly the first Pakistani player to be picked by an IPL-linked team in The Hundred, challenging previous assumptions that such franchises might avoid signing Pakistani talent.
The spinner’s rising profile comes on the back of consistent performances in both domestic and international formats. As of early 2026, Abrar Ahmed ranks No. 4 in the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings and impressed audiences with his standout spells during the T20 World Cup 2026. His success highlights Pakistan’s growing influence in franchise cricket and underscores the demand for high-quality spin talent.
Abrar’s signing follows earlier Pakistani representation in the draft, with Usman Tariq joining Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000 (around Rs. 5.04 crore). However, other high-profile names, including Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, and Shadab Khan, went unsold, while Shaheen Shah Afridi opted out of the auction. In the women’s draft, no Pakistani players were selected, including captain Fatima Sana and top-ranked bowler Sadia Iqbal, sparking discussions about the treatment of Pakistani talent in The Hundred.
Sunrisers Leeds’ move signals growing recognition of Pakistani players in international franchise leagues, emphasizing both skill and commercial value. With Abrar Ahmed now part of the squad, fans will be eager to see how his performances influence the team’s campaign and Pakistan’s overall footprint in The Hundred.
