LONDON: Sunrisers Leeds head coach Daniel Vettori has explained the rationale behind signing Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred 2026, describing him as an ideal overseas replacement after first-choice target Adil Rashid failed to make the cut.
Speaking to the media ahead of Leeds’ campaign, the former New Zealand captain said the owner had explored a number of overseas spin options before deciding Abrear’s wicket-taking ability and mysterious spin made him the ideal candidate.
“Adil Rashid was our priority and when we missed him, we looked at the overseas market for spinners. There are many good bowlers in that group and after some discussion we decided Abrar was the best option,” Vettori said.
The 47-year-old highlighted Abrar’s versatility with the ball, saying the Pakistan international can be effective at different stages of an innings.
“He gives us the flexibility to bowl at any stage of the innings and is a proven wicket-taker. The fact that he has a lot of mystery deliveries and the fact that a lot of England batsmen may not have faced him stands us in good stead because we need a wicket-taking option in the middle,” he added.
Vettori also praised Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who was one of the overseas spin options considered by the franchise, but explained why Abrar eventually got the nod.
“They are all great bowlers, including Rishad Hossain. I think he has proved himself in franchise cricket and international cricket, but you have to make a choice. Like I said, we were very impressed with Abrar’s record and his wicket-taking ability,” concluded Vettori.
Meanwhile, the 27-year-old’s competitive debut ended in disappointment as Sunrisers lost by seven wickets to Leeds MI London in their opening match at Kennington Oval.
Abrar announced himself with the bat by hitting a six off the first ball he faced and scoring seven runs off three balls.
However, as MI London comfortably chased down the 145-run target, he conceded a 10-ball 30 and endured a tough ball.