Sunrisers Leeds Signs First Pakistani Player for The Hundred

London - Sunrisers Leeds secured the services of Pakistani legspinner Abrar Ahmed for 190,000 pounds in the men's player auction for The Hundred on Thursday, marking the first time an Indian-owned franchise has signed a player from Pakistan for the competition.

The 27-year-old Abrar, who has represented Pakistan in 38 Twenty20 internationals since his debut in 2024, impressed with 52 wickets at an economy rate of 6.67. Sunrisers Leeds, owned by the Indian media conglomerate Sun Group, entered the bidding at 130,000 pounds and raised it to outbid Trent Rockets in a competitive contest. The move came despite earlier media speculation that Indian-owned teams in The Hundred might avoid Pakistani players, echoing longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan that have kept Pakistani cricketers out of the Indian Premier League since 2009.

The England and Wales Cricket Board, along with all eight franchises, had previously issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to merit-based selections without regard to nationality. "The England and Wales Cricket Board and all eight of The Hundred team franchises reaffirm their commitment to ensuring The Hundred continues to be a...