Sunrisers Leeds Twitter Account Suspended After Signing Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed

The Sunrisers Leeds franchise signed Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for $255,000 in The Hundred 2026 auction, making him their first-ever Pakistani player acquisition. The signing came after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) firmly directed franchises against any form of player discrimination. Despite the directive, only two Pakistan players secured contracts in the entire auction — Abrar Ahmed with Sunrisers Leeds and Usman Tariq with Birmingham Phoenix for $187,000.

Indian Fan Backlash Triggers Twitter Suspension

Hours after the signing was announced, the Sunrisers Leeds Twitter account was suspended under unclear circumstances. While no official reason was provided by the platform, widespread speculation points to a mass-reporting campaign by Indian fans unhappy with the decision. The Sun TV network, which owns the franchise, also controls Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in SA20 — leagues where Pakistan players are currently banned — making the signing particularly controversial among Indian supporters.

Big Pakistan Names Left Without Contracts

The auction proved disappointing for several high-profile Pakistan cricketers. Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, and Haris Rauf all registered but attracted no bids — Rauf’s snub being especially surprising given his standout performances as the Big Bash League’s leading wicket-taker for Melbourne Stars. Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Afridi withdrew before the auction entirely. On the women’s side, no Pakistan players secured contracts in the Women’s Hundred either.

The Hundred 2026 is scheduled to begin on July 21, promising a competitive and at times controversial season ahead.