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First Pakistani Player Joins Indian-Owned Franchise in The Hundred

3/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Abrar Ahmed was signed by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000 in The Hundred, becoming the first Pakistani to join an Indian-owned franchise since 2009.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) publicly denied a shadow ban on Pakistani players.
Despite backlash from Indian fans, the signing reinforces the ECB's commitment to inclusivity.
Other signings include James Coles for £390,000 and Adil Rashid for £250,000; tournament runs July 21 to August 16.

History

Historical Context

Following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, leading to the IPL's ban on Pakistani players in 2009. Despite this, the ECB later signed players like Shahid Afridi. The recent £190,000 signing of Abrar Ahmed by Sunrisers Leeds in 2025 signals a potential thaw in relations, suggesting a shift towards inclusivity in cricket amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.

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Story summary

Abrar Ahmed was signed by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000 in The Hundred, becoming the first Pakistani to join an Indian-owned franchise since 2009.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) publicly denied a shadow ban on Pakistani players.
Despite backlash from Indian fans, the signing reinforces the ECB's commitment to inclusivity.
Other signings include James Coles for £390,000 and Adil Rashid for £250,000; tournament runs July 21 to August 16.

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