Last Updated: March 13, 2026 01:42 PM
Sunrisers Leeds just created a massive controversy by buying Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed! Indian fans erupted with anger immediately after the announcement. Why does Abrar Ahmed’s Purchase Sparks Hate so intensely among supporters?
The Men’s Hundred auction in the UK became a battleground recently. Four Indian-owned franchises participated in bidding for players. Nearly 60 Pakistani players registered hoping for selection desperately.
The Shadow Ban Controversy
Whispers about a “shadow ban” on Pakistani players spread everywhere! Indian-owned teams like Sunrisers Leeds, MI London, Southern Brave, and Manchester Super Giants avoided them. India-Pakistan tensions escalated over the past year significantly affecting cricket.
The England and Wales Cricket Board intervened swiftly to stop this! ECB issued a strong statement prioritizing inclusivity in cricket. They prohibited any unofficial bans on players based on nationality.
But Sunrisers Leeds broke that pattern by signing Abrar Ahmed! They paid £190,000 for the 27-year-old Pakistani spinner. He became the sole Pakistani player picked by Indian-owned Hundred teams.
Why Indian Fans Hate Abrar Ahmed
Abrar Ahmed’s Purchase Sparks Hate because of his controversial “tea celebrations” previously! He mimicked drinking tea after taking Indian wickets during matches. That gesture infuriated Indian fans completely back then.
The celebration mocked Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman according to Indian supporters! Pakistan captured the Indian pilot following a 2019 aerial skirmish. Videos showed him drinking tea during captivity there.
Abrar’s tea-drinking celebration after dismissing the Indian batsmen felt disrespectful and deliberate! Fans interpreted it as mocking their captured pilot intentionally. That created permanent anger toward Abrar among Indian cricket followers..
The Backlash After Signing
Sunrisers Leeds’ official Twitter account got suspended immediately after signing! The backlash from Indian fans became overwhelming and intense. Hate messages flooded their social media platforms constantly.
Sunrisers Leeds is linked to IPL’s Sunrisers Hyderabad and SA20’s Eastern Cape. Indian fans supporting those franchises felt betrayed by this decision. Why sign a player who mocked their country?
The team released a statement confirming interest in another Pakistani player! That announcement increased anger levels even more frustratingly.
ECB’s inclusivity stance clashes with Indian fans’ emotional reactions here. Cricket becomes complicated when politics and national pride interfere! Abrar Ahmed’s Purchase Sparks Hate shows sport can’t escape geopolitical tensions completely.
