Indian-owned Sunrisers face backlash after signing Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed

"A post announcing Abrar's signing was met with thousands of replies angrily questioning the patriotism of the Indian owners. Some highlighted that Abrar had mocked India on social media after the conflict between the two countries in May 2025, and had called for fans to boycott IPL side Sunrisers Hyderabad."

"Cricketers from Pakistan have not featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2009 because of the deep-seated diplomatic tensions between the two nations. There was speculation that the Pakistan players involved in this week's inaugural Hundred auction in London would be subject to a shadow ban, with the IPL-affiliated teams refusing to bid for them."

"Four of the franchises—MI London, Manchester Super Giants, Sunrisers Leeds and Southern Brave—are at least part-owned by companies that control IPL teams. But the Sunrisers, based in the northern English city of Leeds, clinched a deal for Pakistani leg-spinner Abrar, paying 190,000 pounds ($252,000) for his services."

Sunrisers Leeds, an Indian-owned Hundred franchise, signed Pakistani leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed for £190,000, triggering significant social media backlash. Indian cricket fans questioned the patriotism of the owners, citing longstanding diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan that have prevented Pakistani cricketers from playing in the IPL since 2009. Critics highlighted Abrar's previous social media mockery of India and calls to boycott Sunrisers Hyderabad. Only two Pakistani male players were purchased in the auction: Abrar and Usman Tariq. The ECB had stated franchises would select players based solely on performance, but the signing generated fierce criticism, resulting in the Sunrisers Leeds social media account being suspended.

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