Pakistan mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed made history after being signed by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000 in the inaugural men’s Hundred auction held in London. The deal marks the first time an active Pakistan player has been bought by an Indian-owned franchise in the tournament.
Sunrisers Leeds, owned by the Indian media group Sun TV, secured Abrar after a competitive bidding battle with Trent Rockets. The franchise, formerly known as Northern Superchargers, was fully acquired by Sun TV last year in a deal valued at around £100 million, with the company purchasing stakes from the ECB and Yorkshire.
The signing attracted attention because franchises linked to Indian Premier League (IPL) owners have historically not contracted Pakistan internationals due to long-standing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. However, Sunrisers Leeds head coach Daniel Vettori dismissed speculation of any informal restrictions during the auction.
“Once we missed out on Adil Rashid, we shifted our focus to an overseas spinner,” Vettori said. “Abrar was one of four or five players we were considering. The feedback from the Australian players was that he’s a tricky bowler with plenty of variations and the ability to strike in the powerplay and middle overs.”
Abrar recently impressed in international cricket with his mystery spin and attacking approach, making him an appealing option for Headingley, where spinners have traditionally played a key role.
He was the second Pakistan player sold during the auction after Usman Tariq, who was picked up by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000 earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, Sussex allrounder James Coles emerged as the most expensive player of the auction, earning a £390,000 deal with London Spirit after a five-team bidding war. The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough winter on the franchise circuit and is widely tipped to make his England debut later this year.
Several other big deals were completed, with Jordan Cox (£300,000), Tom Curran (£260,000) and Adil Rashid (£250,000) also securing lucrative contracts.