Rajeev Shukla Reacts as Sunrisers Leeds Sign Pakistan Star Abrar Ahmed

The signing of Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed by Sunrisers Leeds has ignited a heated debate across cricket circles and social media. As criticism mounted over the decision by the Indian-owned franchise, Rajeev Shukla clarified that the Board of Control for Cricket in India cannot intervene because the signing relates to a foreign competition.

Why Did Rajeev Shukla Say the BCCI Cannot Intervene?

Amid the growing uproar, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said the board has no authority over the matter because the signing took place in a league outside India.

“It is not in our domain (IPL), they have done it for some foreign league. They will have to take a call; we cannot do anything,” Shukla told ANI.

The deal concerns The Hundred, a competition organised by the England and Wales Cricket Board, meaning the BCCI has no direct jurisdiction over team selections.

Why Has Abrar Ahmed’s Signing Sparked Controversy?

Sunrisers Leeds secured Abrar Ahmed for £190,000 (about US$255,000) during the inaugural men’s Hundred auction in London. The signing made him the first Pakistan player to join an Indian-owned team in the competition.

However, the decision triggered backlash on social media directed at co-owner Kavya Maran. Critics referenced alleged remarks by the 27-year-old spinner mocking the Indian Air Force and Army during the period surrounding Operation Sindoor last year.

The controversy quickly spilled into broader debates over whether Indian-linked franchises should recruit Pakistani players amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

How Did Sunrisers Leeds Come Under Indian Ownership?

According to ESPNcricinfo, the Indian media conglomerate Sun TV Network completed a full takeover of the franchise, formerly known as Northern Superchargers, last year.

The group purchased a 49 per cent stake from the England and Wales Cricket Board and the remaining 51 per cent from Yorkshire for around £100 million.

The Sunrisers cricket ecosystem also includes Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in South Africa’s SA20 competition.

Despite their global presence, none of these teams had previously signed an active Pakistan international player.

Did the Hundred Auction Already Face Scrutiny?

Even before the bidding began, the auction had attracted attention over whether franchises owned by IPL investors would sign players from Pakistan.

Reports had suggested the possibility of a “shadow-ban”, though all eight teams in the tournament publicly committed to making selections based on “performance, availability and the needs of each team”.

Abrar Ahmed was the second Pakistan player sold in the auction. Earlier, Usman Tariq was picked up by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000.

Why Have Pakistan Players Been Absent From the IPL?

Pakistan players have appeared for several global T20 teams owned or partly owned by IPL franchises across leagues worldwide.

However, no active Pakistan international has played in the IPL since 2008, following the deterioration of diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan.

Abrar Ahmed’s signing in The Hundred therefore marks a rare instance of a Pakistan player joining a team linked to an IPL ownership group, even if it is outside India’s premier league.

(With inputs from ANI)