Abrar Ahmed to play in the Hundred 2026. [Source - AFP]Pakistan’s talented spinner Abrar Ahmed has been at the center of cricketing headlines after being picked by Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred 2026 auction. His signing has sparked curiosity and debate across cricketing circles in India and Pakistan.The inclusion of Abrar by an India-owned franchise has surprised many, as political tensions between the two nations remain sensitive. Fans are watching closely, and all eyes are now on whether the spinner will actually get a chance to play in this high-profile tournament.Abrar Ahmed Signed By Sunrisers Leeds In Hundred AuctionAbrar Ahmed was one of thirteen Pakistani players registered for The Hundred 2026 auction. To everyone’s surprise, he was picked by the IPL-backed Sunrisers Leeds franchise for £190,000, making him the only Pakistani to be selected by an IPL-owned team.The historic deal for Abrar sparked massive debate, especially since Haris Rauf went unsold. Fans in India reacted angrily, claiming Sunrisers Leeds had ignored their sentiments during tense political relations between India and Pakistan in 2025.Although signed for the men’s Hundred, Abrar’s participation was uncertain due to overlapping commitments. The PCB selection committee could call him up for Pakistan’s Test series against the West Indies, which initially raised concerns over his availability and potential NOC requirements.PCB Grants NOC as Abrar Ahmed Cleared To Play for Indian FranchiseIn a significant update, PCB, led by Mohsin Naqvi, issued a full-season NOC to Abrar Ahmed, officially allowing him to feature for Sunrisers Leeds. The green light removes all doubts over his participation in the tournament.Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership has ensured that Abrar can now travel and play without restrictions, even if Pakistan calls him for the West Indies Tests. This decision reflects PCB’s willingness to support players’ international exposure in foreign leagues.The NOC confirms that Abrar can fully commit to The Hundred 2026, including training and matches. Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the board balanced national interests with player opportunities, ensuring Abrar’s career progression is not disturbed by scheduling conflicts.Also Read: The Hundred 2026 Men: Sunrisers Leeds Full Squad, Player List, Roles And PriceAbrar Ahmed, Backlash, And The Challenge For Sunrisers LeedsDespite PCB clearance for Abrar Ahmed, Sunrisers Leeds now faces a tricky situation. Fans had heavily criticized the franchise and its owner, Kavya Maran, for signing Abrar amid anti-India sentiment and past controversies involving the player.Sunrisers Leeds explained the decision internally, highlighting Abrar’s talent and his uniqueness, but social media backlash has been relentless. The franchise had even temporarily suspended its Twitter account to manage the uproar from Indian fans.With Abrar now officially cleared to play for Indian owned franchise Sunrisers Leeds, reactions could intensify. While his participation in The Hundred 2026 promises exciting cricket for the tournament, it may also deepen the ongoing criticism of Kavya Maran’s Sunrisers Leeds.Also Read: Virat Kohli Gives Brutal Reality Check To ‘Head Coach’ Gautam Gambhir
