After intense backlash, followed by a social media ban, the Sunrisers Leeds coach, Daniel Vettori, broke the silence on acquiring Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred 2026. Even though Vettori did not comment on the Indo-Pak geopolitical tensions, he explained that getting Ahmed was a tactical choice. Notably, Abrar Ahmed was the first and the only Pakistani player to get signed by an India-based franchise in The Hundred auction. The Sun TV-owned Sunrisers Leeds got Ahmed for an amount of £190,000 (approximately ₹2.34 crore) after a bidding war with Trent Rockets. Following the auction, Vettory spoke about him satisfied having Ahmed in the side. Rather, he clarified that Ahmed was in their plan among the few overseas spinners they shortlisted. According to Vettori, they bought Ahmed after they missed Adil Rashid to Southern Brave. he said, “Once we missed out on Adil Rashid, who was a priority early on, then we obviously jumped into the overseas spinner. There were four or five guys that we were looking at and Abrar was one of them. Very pleased to get him." Read also: Sunrisers Face Backlash After Signing Abrar Ahmed Fans criticise heavily of Owner Kavya Maran Kavya Maran, a literal heartthrob for fans in the Indian Premier League, became the target for the same fans for buying the Pak bowler. The trolls got so intense that their X account was suspended to maintain peace. Sun TV Network finalized the acquisition of the Northern Superchargers last year, purchasing a 49% stake from the England and Wales Cricket Board and the remaining 51% from Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Well, Abrar was not the only Pakistani bowler who got bought in The Hundred 2026. Usman Tariq also joined the list but will play for the Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000, which has no link with any IPL franchise. The shadow ban on Pakistani cricketers Earlier, it was predicted that there was an unsaid ban on the Pakistani players by the Indian-owned franchises in The Hundred, even though they did not openly accept it. England players openly shamed the possibility, with former players like Moeen Ali called out to organize a protest if it happens. The England and Wales Cricket Board officially reached out to the eight franchises, barring them from banning the Pakistani players. In reply, they said that they will buy players as per the strategies and requirements. Even though Vettori's comments removed the mindset of excluding Pakistani players, the management is yet to make a comment on this.