Image Source: X
The franchise Sunrisers Leeds has landed in controversy soon after the The Hundred 2026 auction. Shortly after the team signed Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed, the franchise’s official account on X was suddenly suspended, sparking speculation and debate online.
The development came only hours after the franchise made headlines at the men’s auction held in London.
Why Is Abrar Ahmed’s Signing So Significant?
Abrar Ahmed’s selection created history in the tournament. He became the first Pakistani player to be picked by an Indian-owned franchise in The Hundred.
The Leeds-based team, owned by the Sun Group, signed the mystery spinner for £190,000 (around USD 255,000) after beating Trent Rockets in a brief bidding battle.
The Sun Group also owns Sunrisers Hyderabad, which competes in the Indian Premier League.
Because of the political sensitivities between India and Pakistan, the signing quickly triggered strong reactions on social media.
Why Did Fans Criticise Kavya Maran?
Soon after the signing was confirmed, many fans online criticised Kavya Maran, questioning the decision to sign a Pakistani international player.
Some users argued that the move ignored national sentiment, while others defended the franchise by pointing out that The Hundred is an English league where teams are free to sign players from any country.
The debate quickly turned into a trending topic across social media platforms.
Were Pakistani Players Expected to Go Unsold?
Even before the auction began, uncertainty surrounded Pakistani cricketers. Several reports suggested that teams linked to IPL owners might avoid signing players from Pakistan.
However, the England and Wales Cricket Board clarified that selections would be based purely on performance, availability, and team requirements.
This meant franchises were free to sign Pakistani players if they believed the player suited their squad.
Why Did Sunrisers Leeds Target Abrar Ahmed?
During the auction, Sunrisers Leeds initially aimed to strengthen their spin attack by targeting England leg-spinner Adil Rashid.
However, after failing to secure him, the franchise turned to overseas options. With spin bowling identified as a key priority, the team eventually decided that Abrar Ahmed would be the best choice for their squad.
Unfortunately, our previous account @sunrisersleeds has been suspended. #OrangeArmy show some love and support by following this one @sunrisersleedss 🧡 pic.twitter.com/gSTVfwuWq1
— SunRisers Leeds 🧢 (@sunrisersleedss) March 13, 2026
Why Was the Sunrisers Leeds X Account Suspended?
Shortly after Abrar Ahmed’s signing was announced, users noticed that the Sunrisers Leeds account on X had disappeared.
When fans tried to visit the page, they were greeted with a message saying the account had been suspended for violating platform rules.
The platform did not immediately provide further details, leaving fans guessing about the reason behind the sudden suspension.
How Did Sunrisers Leeds Come Under Sun Group Ownership?
The franchise was previously known as Northern Superchargers before the Sun Group completed a full takeover.
The Indian media giant purchased 49% of the franchise from the ECB and the remaining 51% from Yorkshire, gaining complete control of the team.
The Sun Group also owns Sunrisers Eastern Cape, which plays in South Africa’s SA20.
Interestingly, none of the Sun Group’s cricket teams had previously signed an active Pakistani international player, making Abrar Ahmed’s signing a historic move for the franchise.
Also Read: Why Is Kavya Maran Getting Hate After Abrar Ahmed’s The Hundred 2026 Signing?
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