Abrar Ahmed still not guaranteed to play The Hundred [Source: AFP, X]In a significant development, it has been understood that the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB might still prevent Abrar Ahmed from playing for the Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred 2026. Abrar Ahmed scripted history, as he became the first Pakistan player to join a Hundred team, co-owned by an IPL franchise. Abrar grabbed the limelight when he secured a lucrative deal worth £190000, as the Sunrisers' owner Kavya Maran signed the Pakistani spinner for her side. However, as Abrar prepares for the marquee event, it has been reported that the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB can restrict him from playing the tournament. Abrar Ahmed bagged historic deal at The Hundred auctionWhile experienced fast bowler Shaheen Afridi had withdrawn from the inaugural Hundred auction, thirteen players, including Abrar Ahmed were up for the grabs at the showpiece event. Although it was assumed that the Hundred franchises co-owned by the IPL teams wouldn't pick Pakistani players due to the sour political relations between India and Pakistan, the Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran raised the paddle for Abrar Ahmed. Also read: Can Kavya Maran-Backed Sunrisers Leeds Release Abrar Ahmed From The Hundred After Backlash?The SRH owner secured the wily spinner at a whopping £190000 to play for Sunrisers Leeds in the men's Hundred competition this year. Usman Tariq was the other Pakistani cricketer to get signed at The Hundred 2026 auction, as the Birmingham Phoenix bagged him for £140000. Abrar Ahmed's Hundred participation jeopardised over NOC rowMeanwhile, despite being signed by the Sunrisers, Abrar might still miss out on this year's Hundred competition as he needs an NOC from the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB to feature in the tournament. The Hundred 2026 will be played in July-August, the same cricketing window when Pakistan are set to tour the West Indies for a two-match Test series. Given that Abrar Ahmed is one of their leading spinners, it won't be surprising if the PCB selection committee includes him in the Test squad. The Pakistani cricket team is scheduled to take on the West Indies in two Tests in July-August. So, if Abrar gets selected for the tour, the PCB might not grant him an NOC to participate in the Hundred. "He might not play The Hundred, given the fact that Pakistan is playing a two match Test series against West Indies," a source was quoted as saying by the Times Of India. Another PCB source reacted to the matter, saying Abrar had registered for the auction as he was confident of receiving an NOC from the Pakistani board. "It is a lot of money. His agent has put his name in the auction, which means he is confident of getting the NOC. He is also among the few current Pakistani cricketers who have a good relationship with the PCB chief. The chances of him playing in The Hundred are 50-50," the PCB source told TOI. What could be Sunrisers Leeds' bowling attack if Abrar misses out?If the PCB doesn't allow Abrar to feature in the Hundred, Liam Patterson-White might play as the Sunrisers' lead spinner in the tournament. The left-arm spinner has bagged 22 wickets in 24 T20s, registering an impressive strike rate of 16.4. He will likely be accompanied by Nathan Ellis, Reece Topley, Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts, provided these players remain available during the competition. Also read: Hussain Talat Ruled Out Of PSL 2026; Zaman Khan Also Doubtful
