The Indian-owned Sunrisers group is confronting a significant social media backlash following their acquisition of Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed during The Hundred player auction. The Leeds-based team secured Abrar for £190,000, outbidding Trent Rockets, with CEO Kavyan Maran and head coach Daniel Vettori overseeing the deal at the bidding table.
Political Tensions Spill Into Cricket
Deep-rooted political tensions between India and Pakistan have historically influenced sporting relations, with bilateral cricket series suspended since 2007 and Pakistani players excluded from the Indian Premier League. There was widespread speculation that IPL-affiliated teams in The Hundred would impose a 'shadow ban' on Pakistani players during the auction.
Sunrisers Defy Expectations
Contrary to expectations, Sunrisers actively pursued and signed Abrar Ahmed, while another Pakistan player, Usman Tariq, was picked up by American-backed Birmingham Phoenix. This move came after the England and Wales Cricket Board issued a joint statement with all teams, pledging that no players would face discrimination based on nationality.
Social Media Storm Erupts
The signing triggered a fierce reaction from a segment of Indian cricket fans, with negative comments flooding Sunrisers' social media accounts. The SunrisersLeeds X account was temporarily suspended overnight due to the volume of criticism. Although restored by Friday morning with a new follower base, posts about the auction remained dominated by discussions about Abrar's signing.
Backlash Extends to IPL Parent Club
The controversy also spilled over to the Instagram feed of Sunrisers Hyderabad, the IPL parent club. While some Pakistani users expressed support, numerous critical posts emerged, including calls to boycott Sunrisers and their lead sponsors' products. The ECB's pre-auction statement emphasized The Hundred's commitment to inclusivity, stating: "Players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality."
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in separating sport from geopolitical tensions, as cricket authorities strive to maintain principles of non-discrimination while navigating complex international relationships.
