Sunrisers Leeds Make History by Signing Pakistan Spinner Abrar Ahmed in Hundred Auction

In a landmark moment for The Hundred, Sunrisers Leeds successfully secured mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed for £190,000 (US$255,000) during Thursday’s auction in London. The signing makes Abrar the first Pakistan cricketer to be bought by an Indian-owned team, following Sun TV’s full takeover of the franchise, previously Northern Superchargers, for approximately £100 million last year.

Amid speculation over a potential ‘shadow ban’ on Pakistani players, Sunrisers Leeds won a bidding war with Trent Rockets to sign Abrar Ahmed. He was the second Pakistani sold, after Usman Tariq (£140,000 to Birmingham Phoenix). No active Pakistan internationals have played in the IPL since 2008, despite previous T20 appearances.

James Coles Tops Auction Bids

Sussex allrounder James Coles emerged as the most expensive player in Thursday morning’s auction, commanding a staggering £390,000 (US$522,000) from London Spirit. The 21-year-old, tipped for an international debut this summer, had earned just £31,000 in last year’s Hundred. His rise follows a breakthrough winter, including a SA20 title with Sunrisers Eastern Cape and a strong showing against Pakistan Shaheens with England Lions.

Coles started at a base price of £75,000, attracting early bids from Manchester Super Giants, Trent Rockets, and Birmingham Phoenix. Sunrisers Leeds entered at £220,000, but London Spirit eventually outbid them to secure his services. Coles will be the fourth-highest-paid player in The Hundred this summer, behind Harry Brook (£465,000), Phil Salt (£450,000), and Jofra Archer (£400,000).

Other Notable Bids

Thursday’s auction also saw significant contracts for Jordan Cox (£300,000 at Welsh Fire), Tom Curran (£260,000 at MI London), and Adil Rashid (£250,000 at Southern Brave). Joe Root was the first player sold at £240,000 (US$321,000) to Welsh Fire, while Dan Lawrence joined Sunrisers Leeds for £210,000 (US$281,000). Among overseas players, Aiden Markram drew the highest bid of £200,000 (US$277,000) at Manchester Super Giants, where he already competes in IPL Lucknow and SA20 Durban teams.

The morning’s auction highlights the growing global appeal of The Hundred, with franchises willing to invest heavily to secure top domestic and international talent, including historic signings like Abrar Ahmed.