The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) vice-chairman has moved to quell speculation over the acquisition of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed by IPL-backed franchise Sunrisers Leeds ahead of the 2026 edition of The Hundred.
In a recent interview with an Indian media outlet, Rajeev Shukla addressed inquiries about players’ participation in overseas tournaments and the potential implications for the Indian Premier League (IPL).
He made it clear that the board has no authority over commercial decisions taken by franchise owners in foreign competitions.
“Our field is only in the IPL. We are not concerned about what happens in other leagues. If we take some players from somewhere outside India, the right to buy a team outside India is clear. We are least concerned about that. In IPL, there is no such player,” Shukla said.
He further elaborated on the jurisdiction of the IPL, stressing that the governing body cannot interfere in matters related to other tournaments.
“It’s not in our domain (IPL); they have done it for some foreign league. They have to take the call; we can’t do anything,” he added.
The comments followed a wave of reaction on social media from Indian fans who expressed their displeasure following the signing of the Pakistan international. The acquisition drew criticism for both the franchise and its owner Kavya Maran.
Abrar Ahmed, 27, signed for Sunrisers Leeds, a team owned by Kavya Maran and affiliated to IPL’s Sunrisers Hyderabad, during the Player Draft for The Hundred on Thursday.
Ahmed attracted significant attention after Birmingham Phoenix leg-spinner Usman Tariq became the first Pakistani pick of the day for £140,000. He was eventually snapped up by Sunrisers Leeds for a substantial £190,000 following a bidding war with Trent Rockets.
A franchise’s substantial investment in a Pakistani cricketer marks a departure from traditional cross-border commercial rivalries, focusing on sporting merit.
The 2026 edition of The Hundred will be held from July 21 to August 16.
The match kicks off with a high-profile London derby as MI London, formerly known as Oval Invincibles, take on Sunrisers Leeds, formerly known as Northern Superchargers at The Oval.