Kavya Faces Backlash After Sunrisers Leeds Buy Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed, X Account Suspended

New Delhi: Sunrisers Leads has come into controversy after buying Pakistani leg spinner Abrar Ahmed in the auction of England's T20 league 'The Hundred'. The franchise included the 27-year-old spinner in its team for 2 lakh 55 thousand US dollars. After this the team had to face severe criticism on social media. Especially because this franchise is considered to be related to an Indian business family and its owner is Kavya Maran.

Does Abrar become the first Pakistani player to join an Indian franchise?

During the auction, Sunrisers Leeds bid on Abrar Ahmed and included him in their team. With this decision, he became the first Pakistani player to be signed by an Indian franchise in the league. For this reason, this matter became rapidly discussed on social media and many users raised questions on the decision of the franchise.

Were Sunrisers Leeds' social media accounts suspended?

Amid the controversy, the franchise's X (formerly Twitter) account has also been suspended. On opening the account, a message of suspension is visible. However, it is not yet clear as to why the account was closed. Neither from X nor from the franchise has any official statement come on this.

🚨SUNRISERS LEADS ACCOUNT SUSPENDED.🚨

- The official X account of Sunrisers Leeds was suspended after facing heavy outrage from Indian fans for buying Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred auction.🤯 pic.twitter.com/7b7xw1wVnA

— Sam (@Cricsam01) March 13, 2026

What did the team management say about buying Abrar?

Team head coach Daniel Vettori has defended the inclusion of Abrar Ahmed in the team. He says that Abrar has many bowling variations and England's domestic batsmen have not played him much. According to Vettori, the team was making a strategy keeping in mind every available player in the auction and when the option of Abrar came up, he was given priority.

How is Abrar Ahmed's international record?

27-year-old Abrar Ahmed, who plays for Pakistan, has so far taken 52 wickets in 38 T20 international matches. During this period his economy has been around 6.67%. In total, he has taken 109 wickets in 84 matches in T20 cricket, due to which he is considered an effective spinner in limited overs cricket.

What was the position of Pakistani players in The Hundred auction?

This time, 13 players from Pakistan had given their names in the auction of The Hundred, but only two of them were bid on. Apart from Abrar Ahmed, mystery spinner Usman Tariq was bought by Birmingham Phoenix. The thing to note is that that franchise is not considered to have any direct connection with the Indian teams. Whereas fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi had withdrawn his name even before the auction.