![Abrar Ahmed And Usman Tariq [Source: X, AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1785165983118_Abrar_Ahmed_Usman_Tariq.jpg?type=hq)
Abrar Ahmed And Usman Tariq [Source: X, AFP]
Pakistan spinners Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq continue to remain in England for The Hundred 2026 season. While Ahmed was roped in by the Sunrisers Leeds franchise earlier this year, Tariq joined the Birmingham Phoenix.
The two cricketers have already played a couple of matches each for their respective franchises so far in the tournament. However, their availability for the entirety of the season remained uncertain for the past number of weeks.
It now appears that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may have indirectly clarified the duo’s fate after making a huge announcement on Monday, July 27.
Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq excluded by PCB; The Hundred fate sealed
On Monday, July 27, the PCB named complete squads of all four competing teams for the upcoming Pakistan National Champions Cup 2026 season. Interestingly, both Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq failed to find a place in any of the four sides.
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Their absence from the National Champions Cup 2026 line-ups now indicate that the Pakistan spin duo will remain in England till the end of The Hundred 2026 season.
Moreover, the two cricketers are also free from national duties for the time being. Since Abrar is already out of Pakistan’s contention for Test cricket, Usman Tariq is yet to make his debut in the format.
It is worth noting that out-of-favour Abrar Ahmed is also not included in Pakistan squad for their ongoing two-match Test tour of West Indies.
Abar, Usman start off The Hundred with match-winning spells
Abrar Ahmed was signed up by India-owned Sunrisers Leeds franchise earlier this year under much controversial circumstances, largely owing to India’s geo-political tensions with Pakistan.
After receiving the NoC from the PCB, Ahmed joined the Sunrisers in England and started off his Hundred 2026 stint on a remarkable note.
After going wicketless against MI London, the ace Pakistan spinner picked up match-winning figures of 2-33 against Southern Brave in Leeds last weekend.
Even Usman Tariq picked up the important wickets of Finn Allen and Tim David to orchestrate Birmingham Phoenix’s 10-run win over Trent Rockets in Birmingham. However, in the same match, Tariq’s bowling action got questioned by David after the hard-hitting Australian was dismissed by him.
Are Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed out of World Cup 2027 race?
With PCB excluding Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed from the National Champions Cup 2026, one can assume that the two spinners are not in consideration to make it to Pakistan’s squad for next year’s 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
It is worth noting that the National Champions Cup itself was designed by the PCB in a bid to give more opportunities to Pakistan’s white-ball talents in the country before the showpiece event.
Whether this exclusion reflects a shift in Pakistan's long-term white-ball plans or is simply a temporary move to facilitate their Hundred commitments remains to be seen.
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