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RCB decision-maker reacts to Kavya Maran's bold move [Source: X]
The Hundred 2026 auction witnessed the dramatic entry of Pakistan players, as Birmingham Phoenix and Sunrisers Leeds secured the services of Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed, respectively.
The Hundred 2026 auction for the men's competition concluded on Thursday, March 12, with the eight teams filling the gaps in their respective squads with strategic signings.
It's worth mentioning that four of the eight Hundred teams are co-owned by the IPL franchise owners, including RCB and SRH.
Although it was speculated that the IPL-based teams would avoid picking Pakistan players at the inaugural Hundred auction, SRH owner Kavya Maran busted the myth, signing Abrar Ahmed for her team, Sunrisers Leeds.
After the Hundred auction marked its conclusion, RCB's key decision-maker reacted to Kavya's bold move of roping in a player of Pakistan origin for the English competition.
SRH owner Kavya Maran signs Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred 2026
Although Shaheen Afridi withdrew his name from The Hundred 2026 auction list, 13 players from Pakistan were up for the grabs in the mega event.
Ace speedster Haris Rauf surprisingly went unsold despite having an impressive T20 record. The Hundred franchises also ignored renowned cricketers like Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub, who were part of the T20 World Cup squad.
However, spin bowlers Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed managed to grab the attention of several franchises, courtesy of their wily bowling and phenomenal record in the shortest format.
Also read: The Hundred 2026 Men: London Spirit Full Squad, Player List, Roles And Price
Tariq, who has been in the limelight due to his unique bowling action, bagged a lucrative deal worth £140,000 for Birmingham Phoenix. On the other hand, Abrar Ahmed was signed for a whopping price of £190,000 by Sunrisers Leeds, the sister franchise of IPL team SRH.
Considering the problematic geopolitical relation between India and Pakistan, rumours were that the IPL-based teams wouldn't buy Pakistani players at The Hundred auction. However, the SRH owner dismissed all speculations, picking Abrar without any discrimination.
RCB head coach Andy Flower reacts to SRH owner's move
After the auction concluded, London Spirit head coach Andy Flower reckoned that the signing of Usman and Abrar would enrich the competition, as both these players bring immense skillset to the table.
Flower, who is the kingmaker head coach of defending IPL champions RCB, called Usman and Abrar highly talented, highlighting how their participation could make the tournament more inclusive and competitive.
“It is a really good thing that Usman Tariq was signed, and then Abrar Ahmed by Sunrisers Leeds," Flower told a British Sports platform.
“It is a really good thing for the tournament. Pakistan players are highly talented and we want a fair and equitable process, and this is good evidence of that. I enjoyed watching that process," he added.
RCB and SRH to clash in IPL 2026 opener
The BCCI recently revealed the official schedule for the IPL 2026 season. Although the finalists of the previous season generally play the first game, RCB will take on SRH instead of Punjab Kings, the runners-up of the IPL 2025.
The high-voltage clash marks the IPL 2026 curtain-raiser, scheduled for March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Also read: KSO vs SSS Match Prediction, 3rd T20- Who Will Win Today? Legends League Cricket 2026
