The Hundred Auction Sparks Controversy Over Pakistan Players
The excitement was palpable as cricket fans eagerly awaited the first-ever Hundred auction. All eight teams geared up to vie for top talent in English cricket, along with some international stars, during this revamped tournament linked to the IPL. Since its launch in 2021, the competition has significantly grown with IPL franchises making bold investments.
However, tensions flared when news broke that the four IPL-associated teams would impose a shadow ban on Pakistan players during the auction, with expectations that other teams might follow suit. Concerns were raised by Michael Vaughan and Harry Brook from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), pointing out that players should be selected based on their skills rather than their nationality.
After some initial turmoil, the women’s auction came and went without any Pakistani players being picked. The men’s auction on March 12 also saw Haris Rauf go unselected, although Usman Tariq was welcomed by Birmingham Phoenix, a team without IPL ties. The auction continued without much disruption until the name Abrar Ahmed was called.
As bidding heated up for Abrar between Sunrisers Leeds and Trent Rockets, fans in Pakistan celebrated while Indian supporters expressed their discontent. Starting at a base price of £75,000, the bidding skyrocketed to £190,000, leading Abrar to don the orange jersey of Sunrisers Leeds.
Following the auction, backlash ensued, with calls for a boycott of Sunrisers due to the perceived slight towards Pakistani players, leading to hashtags like #ShameOnSRH trending online. Sunrisers later clarified their position.
The controversy traces back to a ban on Pakistani players in the IPL established after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Since then, only Azhar Mahmood has participated, doing so under a British passport, thus avoiding the implications of being considered a Pakistan player.
Amid all the uproar, it’s essential to note that some IPL-linked teams have indeed included Pakistani players in their lineups in recent years, including in 2025.
Pakistan Players and IPL Involvement
When examining global leagues, many franchises connected to the IPL generally steer clear of Pakistani talent. The SA20 league, buoyed by its IPL affiliations, also lacks any Pakistani players. The ILT20 showcases similar trends, with teams like Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and MI Emirates not featuring any Pakistan players, although the Desert Vipers do have a few.
In contrast, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has been more inclusive. Since its inception in 2013, several IPL-linked teams have embraced Pakistani players. Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), associated with KKR, has notably featured various top Pakistani cricketers over the years, including Umar Akmal and Shadab Khan.
In 2025, Mohammad Amir and Usman Tariq made significant contributions to TKR’s championship victory, demonstrating the impact of Pakistani talent in the CPL. The Barbados Royals, another IPL affiliate, also showcased Pakistani players like Azam Khan and Fatima Sana in recent seasons.
Why the Backlash?
The backlash against Sunrisers for selecting Abrar Ahmed stems from ownership dynamics. Sunrisers Leeds is fully owned by the Sun Group, which acquired control in early 2025. Fans anticipated that the new owners might avoid recruiting Pakistani players.
Nonetheless, the coaching staff expressed their intent behind selecting Abrar, emphasizing a need for a skilled spinner after missing out on Adil Rashid. Head coach Daniel Vettori noted their excitement in acquiring him.
As for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), they have no jurisdiction over leagues outside the IPL. Vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirmed that the BCCI can’t interfere with team decisions made during foreign tournaments.
The controversy may linger, but the choice to sign Abrar appears to be a decision based on cricketing skill. With a record of 109 wickets in 84 T20 matches, Abrar’s talent is undeniable.
As Sunrisers Leeds aim for success in The Hundred, they will work to mend relations with their fans and hope Abrar plays a pivotal role in their journey.
