Abrar Ahmed Releases Statement On India's Slamming Of His Sunrisers Deal

Abrar Ahmed was signed by Sunrisers for The Hundred 2026 [Source: X]

In a significant development, Abrar Ahmed has finally reacted to the controversy surrounding his signing by the Sunrisers Leeds at The Hundred 2026 auction. Pakistan's experienced spinner Abrar Ahmed recently scripted history, as he became the second player from his country to bag a deal for the men's Hundred this year. 

While prominent names like Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub and Haris Rauf went unsold, Abrar made sure the English league had some Pakistani presence, joining the Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000. 

SRH owners face backlash for signing Abrar Ahmed

The geopolitical ties between India and Pakistan worsened further following the Pakistani regime's involvement in the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack. 

India retaliated for the cowardly attack through precise air strikes, targeting multiple terror camps in the neighbouring country. India's response escalated tensions across the LOC, with armies from both countries getting engaged in a military conflict, which also halted the IPL 2025. 

After the incident, the Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts at the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup. 

Also read: Pakistan-Born Player Slams Sunil Gavaskar Over His Remarks On Abrar Ahmed

Meanwhile, given that the Pakistani players are banned from the IPL, the Indian fans had expected the Hundred franchises, co-owned by several IPL teams, not to pick Pakistani cricketers at the inaugural Hundred auction. 

So, when Sunrisers Leeds raised the paddle for Abrar Ahmed and eventually secured his services, SRH owner Kavya Maran and her associates received massive backlash from the Indian cricket fanatics. 

In fact, legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar criticised the Sunrisers' move, accusing the franchise of empowering India's enemy country through direct funding. 

Abrar Ahmed unfazed by the outside noise

While the Sunrisers continue to get slammed for their auction move, Abrar Ahmed remains unfazed by the outside noise. 

Although pressure is mounting on the SRH-owned franchise to terminate his Hundred contract, Abrar is reportedly unperturbed by the rapidly escalating situation. 

As reported by the Telecom Asia Sport, the spinner is dealing with the uproar in a professional manner, as he believes his participation in the tournament is a matter to be decided by the ECB and the Sunrisers. 

"The reaction to Abrar’s signing was not unexpected but he is not losing sleep over the uproar. They see this as a matter between the England and Wales Cricket Board and the franchise, not the player," Abrar Ahmed's managing team exclusively told the Telecom Asia Sport. 

If the reports are true, Abrar Ahmed has showcased commendable patience and maturity while dealing with the tense situation, despite his participation in the tournament being at risk. 

Abrar Ahmed will be a crucial cog for Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred

While Abrar awaits the NOC from the PCB to feature in The Hundred 2026, he can genuinely be their match-winner if the Mohsin Naqvi-led board allows him to play the tournament. 

The right-arm spinner oozed his class in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, scalping six wickets, including a three-wicket haul. 

His ability to strike at crucial junctures makes him a valuable asset for the Sunrisers Leeds bowling unit, also comprising Nathan Ellis, Brydon Carse, Reece Topley and Matthew Potts. 

Also read: Mohsin Naqvi's PCB Issues Official Verdict On Australian Players Planning To Skip PSL