Spinner Abrar Ahmed was purchased by Sunrisers Leeds in the men’s Hundred auction, easing fears that Pakistan players might be overlooked by franchises linked to the IPL.
Earlier reports suggested that the four IPL-affiliated Hundred teams were not considering Pakistan players, reflecting India’s long-standing ban on them since 2009. Abrar, 27, was bought for £190,000 by Leeds, a franchise fully owned by Sunrisers Hyderabad and based at Headingley.
The auction also saw uncapped 21-year-old James Coles claim the highest bid of £390,000. The Sussex all-rounder, signed by London Spirit, has risen quickly through the ranks, becoming Sussex’s youngest first-class player at 16 and spending the winter with Sunrisers Eastern Cape in South Africa’s T20 competition. His new salary represents a 13-fold increase from last year.
Other notable signings included leg-spinner Adil Rashid joining Southern Brave for £250,000 and Joe Root moving to Welsh Fire for £240,000. Fire also acquired England white-ball batter Jordan Cox for £300,000.
Following concerns about IPL-linked teams excluding Pakistan players, the England and Wales Cricket Board reminded all franchises of their anti-discrimination responsibilities. A joint statement from the ECB and the eight teams emphasized that players must not be excluded due to nationality.
In the men’s auction, 13 Pakistani players were initially available after Shaheen Afridi withdrew. Five went under the hammer, with Abrar Ahmed among them. Spinner Usman Tariq, a standout from the recent T20 World Cup, was purchased by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000. Abrar received bids from Sunrisers Leeds and Trent Rockets and entered at a base price of £75,000.
Sunrisers head coach Daniel Vettori praised Abrar’s variations, noting that many domestic players had not faced him before. Vettori said the team prioritized Abrar based on talent, not nationality, confirming that no instructions were given to avoid Pakistan players.
The Hundred continues its evolution following last year’s sale of stakes in all eight franchises. Teams collectively invest over £16 million in the men’s tournament and more than £7 million in the women’s competition, with owners seeking returns through commercial deals, ticket sales, and TV rights.
