Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed has been purchased by Sunrisers Leeds for 190,000 pounds in The Hundred men's auction. This signing occurred despite earlier media reports suggesting Indian-owned teams might avoid Pakistani cricketers due to geopolitical tensions.
Following these reports, the England and Wales Cricket Board and all eight franchises affirmed that nationality should not be a basis for player exclusion. Abrar, 27, has represented Pakistan in 38 Twenty20 matches, claiming 52 wickets.
Sunrisers Leeds initiated the bidding for Abrar, ultimately fending off interest from Trent Rockets. Notably, Pakistani players have been largely absent from the Indian Premier League since 2009.
The Hundred, a 100-ball cricket competition, is scheduled from July 21 to August 16.