BCCI breaks silence after Sunrisers sign Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for hundred

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla clarifies that the board has no power to interfere in the controversy surrounding Sunrisers franchise signing of Pakistan spinner Abra Ahmed for the upcoming 100-man season.The Sun TV-owned team faced heavy criticism on social media platforms after acquiring Abrar during the player auction. Many users in India expressed their anger at the decision, citing the national mood at the time. Franchise owner Kavya Maran has also been targeted by cyberattacks, while Sunrisers Leeds’ official X (formerly Twitter) account has reportedly been suspended amid the backlash.

Despite the growing criticism, the team has yet to issue an official statement. However, Shukla on Friday made it clear that the matter does not fall under the BCCI’s jurisdiction as the match is being held outside India.“This has absolutely nothing to do with the IPL. This is an overseas league. It is not under our jurisdiction. There is nothing we can do. They have to answer the call,” Shukla told news agency ANI on Friday afternoon.At Thursday’s auction, bowler Abrar, currently ranked third in the world in T20 internationals, was acquired by the team for £190,000 (approximately $255,000). On the auction stage, the head coach Daniel Vettori and Malan beat out Trent Rockets for a successful bid.After the signing, Vettori explained that the team was targeting Abrar after missing out on England spinner Adil Rashid, who had already been picked by another team. He also mentioned Pakistan Spinners Usman Tariq was part of the franchise’s plans earlier, but once Abrar was locked up, the management decided not to pursue another spinner.In October 2025, India’s investment in the Top 100 tournament increased significantly, with the four participating teams receiving support from Indian owners. Since then, there have been rumors that teams with Indian ownership may avoid signing Pakistani players. Sunrisers’ move to acquire Abrar effectively dispels these rumors.In fact, only two Pakistani cricketers were selected in this year’s men’s hundred auction: Abrar and Tariq. Still, the Sunrisers’ decision sparked a strong reaction in India, with many fans urging the team to reconsider the signing.