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Sunrisers Leeds Signs Pak Spinner Abrar Ahmed, Sparks Fan Backlash

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla stated the Indian board has no jurisdiction over the Sunrisers Leeds franchise's decision to sign Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred auction. The move, involving an Indian-owned team, sparked significant fan backlash on social media, briefly getting the team's account suspended. The acquisition highlights the complex dynamics as IPL franchise owners expand globally but have generally avoided Pakistani players since 2009. The ECB maintains that auction selections are based purely on cricketing merit and team needs.

Key Points: Rajeev Shukla on Sunrisers Leeds Signing Pakistan Spinner

  • BCCI clarifies no role in signing
  • Fan backlash leads to brief X account suspension
  • Sun TV owns the English franchise
  • Pakistan players rarely signed by IPL-owned teams
2 min read

'It's for league in England, this is franchise's own decision: Rajeev Shukla on Sunrisers Leeds signing Pakistan spinner in The Hundred

BCCI's Rajeev Shukla clarifies the board has no say in Sunrisers Leeds signing Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred auction, calling it the franchise's decision.

"Look, this is their own decision because this is not our league. - Rajeev Shukla"

New Delhi, March 13

Board of Control for Cricket in India vice-president Rajeev Shukla has clarified that the Indian cricket governing body has no say in the acquisition of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed by franchise Sunrisers Leeds in the Hundred Auction, saying the move pertains to an overseas league and not the Indian Premier League.

Speaking on the matter, Shukla emphasised that the decision lies entirely with the franchise involved, as the signing and the matter are linked to a league outside India.

"Look, this is their own decision because this is not our league. This has not been done for the IPL; it has been done for a league outside India. It is entirely their own decision. There is some league in England for which they are doing this," Shukla told IANS

The move to sign Abrar by the Indian-owned Sunrisers Leeds didn't go down well with the fans, who took to X to criticise the team's owner and the franchise, terming them anti-national.

Due to the backlash, the team's X account was also suspended for a brief time, but now it has been restored.

Sun TV, which also owns Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape, completed its acquisition of the franchise previously known as Northern Superchargers by buying a 49 per cent stake from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the remaining 51 per cent from Yorkshire for about 100 million pounds last year.

Earlier reports suggested IPL franchise-owned teams would avoid bidding for Pakistan players, and the early stages of Thursday's auction appeared to support that expectation till Abrar was picked.

No Pakistan player has featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2009, and IPL franchise owners who have invested in franchise T20 leagues worldwide have generally avoided signing cricketers from the country.

However, the ECB said last month that selections in the auction would be based solely on 'cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team.'

Abrar was the second Pakistan player sold in the auction on Thursday morning after mystery spinner Usman Tariq was bought by Birmingham Phoenix for 140,000 pounds. Several other Pakistan players like Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan went unsold.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I understand the fans' sentiment, but calling the owners 'anti-national' is too harsh. Sun TV is a business, and in a global league, they will pick the best available talent. The ECB's statement says it all – selections are based on cricketing performance. Abrar is a talented spinner.
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Aman W
While I respect the business angle, it does feel a bit contradictory. Our IPL teams avoid Pakistani players for over a decade, but the same owners sign them for other leagues? It sends a mixed message. The emotional connect with fans is important too. 🤔
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in the UK, I see this differently. The Hundred is trying to be a truly global competition. If the rule is 'cricketing performance only', then franchises should follow that. Sunrisers Leeds made a smart cricketing move. The suspension of their X account was an overreaction.
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Vikram M
End of the day, it's a game! Abrar Ahmed is a fantastic bowler and will make The Hundred more competitive. Indian fans should support our business groups doing well internationally. Jitna royege utna hi controversy badhega. Let's enjoy the cricket.
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Karthik V
The real issue is the inconsistency. If it's okay for The Hundred, why not for the IPL? Either there's a principle or there isn't. This 'different rules for different leagues' approach by franchise owners is what confuses and upsets fans. Clarity would help.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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