Indian cricket legend criticizes Sunrisers Leeds for signing Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed

NEW DELHI: The recent signing of Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed by Sunrisers Leeds has sparked criticism from a prominent figure in Indian cricket, according to media reports.

Abrar Ahmed, who played in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup Super Eights match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on February 28, 2026, has been recruited by Sunrisers Leeds for an upcoming tournament. The move has drawn a strong reaction from an Indian cricketing legend, who has voiced disapproval over the decision.

While details of the criticism were not elaborated in the report, the reaction is seen as an attempt to stir fresh controversy regarding the inclusion of Pakistani players in international leagues. The development comes amid ongoing discussions in the cricketing world about the participation of Pakistani athletes in foreign leagues, particularly in teams based in countries with complex sporting and political relationships with Pakistan.

Abrar Ahmed's performance in the recent T20 World Cup has brought him into the spotlight, making his signing by Sunrisers Leeds a notable event in the cricketing calendar. The response from the Indian cricketing legend underscores the sensitivities that sometimes accompany such cross-border sporting engagements.

Further details about the terms of Abrar Ahmed's contract with Sunrisers Leeds or the specific remarks made by the Indian cricketing figure were not provided in the report.