The Hundred 2026 Auction: Sunrisers Leeds face backlash after signing Pakistan's spinner Abrar Ahmed

Indian Premier League (IPL) team SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) has landed in controversy after signing Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed in their The Hundred team, who previously mocked India.

The English 100-ball cricket tournament, The Hundred 2026, is now going through the auction process, which is happening for the first time in its six-season history. IPL team SunRisers Hyderabad has a team in The Hundred, which is known as Sunrisers Leeds. 

Sunrisers Leeds picked Abrar Ahmed for £190,000

In the auction for The Hundred 2026, Sunrisers Leeds picked up Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed, who is popular for his mystery bowling and celebration, for £190,000 (US$255,000).

See Also: Star Pakistan pacer demands $100 million from media house ahead of PSL 2026

Why is Abrar Ahmed in controversy?

Abrar isn't only hated by Indian fans due to his celebration style, but he also previously mocked India with the tea gesture (linked to an insult on the Indian Air Force officer and fighter pilot Abhinandan Varthaman). With Abrar's selection to The Hundred team Sunrisers Leeds, many SRH fans have become angry over the franchise. Some of the fans have even unfollowed their IPL franchise. 

While the controversy is firing on social media, there is no official news from the franchise or from the player.