London, United Kingdom — March 13, 2026
Kavya Maran, the owner of the Sunrisers Hyderabad, has found herself at the center of a social media controversy after a Sun Group–owned team signed Pakistani cricketer Abrar Ahmed during the player auction for The Hundred.
The move has sparked criticism from some cricket fans online, with several users calling for a boycott of Sunrisers teams ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026, which begins on March 28.
Social Media Backlash Intensifies
On social media platforms, hashtags such as #ShameOnSRH and #BoycottSunrisers began trending soon after news of the signing emerged.
Critics argued that Indian-owned franchises historically avoided signing Pakistani players in leagues linked to IPL teams due to strained diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan.
The controversy has intensified because the signing occurred just weeks before the start of the IPL season.
Signing Took Place During The Hundred Auction
The debate began after the player auction for The Hundred was held in London. During the auction, the franchise Sunrisers Leeds, owned by the Sun Group, placed a successful bid for Abrar Ahmed.
According to reports, the Pakistani spinner was signed for approximately ₹2.34 crore.
Kavya Maran attended the auction in London along with team head coach Daniel Vettori. The team is captained by Harry Brook.
Debate Over Pakistani Players in Indian-Owned Teams
Abrar Ahmed’s signing has drawn attention because it is considered the first time in many years that a franchise linked to an IPL ownership group has contracted a Pakistani cricketer.
IPL franchises have not signed Pakistani players since 2009 due to strained relations between the two neighboring countries.
However, The Hundred operates under a separate structure in England, where franchises have greater freedom to recruit international players.
Currently, four of the eight teams in The Hundred have Indian ownership links, including:
Manchester Super Giants
MI London
Southern Brave
Sunrisers Leeds
Abrar Ahmed’s signing has effectively ended speculation that Indian-owned franchises in the league would avoid bidding for Pakistani players.
Fans Express Mixed Reactions
Some fans on social media criticized the decision, arguing that it ignores national sentiment.
One user wrote that Indian teams had avoided signing Pakistani players for years out of respect for public sentiment but were now prioritizing financial opportunities in overseas leagues.
Others, however, pointed out that The Hundred is an international league independent from the IPL, where teams recruit players based on performance and availability.
Another Pakistani Player Signed in Auction
Abrar Ahmed was the second Pakistani cricketer sold during The Hundred auction.
Earlier in the auction, spinner Usman Tariq was signed by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000 (around ₹1.72 crore).
The upcoming season of The Hundred is scheduled to run from July 21 to August 16.
