Sunrisers Leeds X Account Suspended Following Abrar Ahmed Signing Controversy and Backlash
The official social media account of Indian-owned franchise Sunrisers Leeds was suspended on Thursday, March 12, following intense online backlash over the team's decision to sign Pakistan mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed for a record £190k in this year's Hundred auction. Head coach Daniel Vettori defended the move as purely cricketing logic after their bid failed against England star Adil Rashid earlier that day, yet netizens have erupted with demands calling it shameful and urging boycotts of Sunrisers Hyderabad across all IPL tournaments.
Key Points
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1Sunrisers Leeds signed Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed at The Hundred Auction on March 8th.
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2The franchise paid approximately £190k (₹2.34 crore) to acquire Abram, who became India's first Pakistani player in the league.
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3Indian fans and social media users expressed outrage over the signing due to concerns about Pakistan players being ignored by Indian-owned teams.
Developments
Perspectives
Fans are blowing hot at The Hundred franchise after their decision to pick Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed.
— [Mar 13] Sunburn: Fans Blow Hot At Sunrisers After Pak Player Picked (Deccanchronicle)The Board of Control for Cricket in India has clarified that it does not have the authority or jurisdiction over The Hundred and its franchises, meaning they cannot intervene.
— [Mar 13] BCCI breaks silence after Sunrisers sign Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed (Timesofindia.indiatimes.com)SunRisers Leeds' official X account was suspended on March 20th following the signing of Pakistani player, which triggered widespread social media backlash.
— [Mar 13] The Hundred Auction: SunRisers Leeds' X Account Suspended After Signing Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed (Deccanchronicle)Sunriser coach Daniel Vettori defended his decision to sign the spinner as a purely cricketing move, stating they were pleased with their acquisition.
— [Mar 13] SunRisers Leeds justify Pak spinner Abrar Ahmed signing: Very pleased to get him (Indiatoday.in)"Shame on you guys," netizens demanded boycott of IPL following controversial Signing Of Pakistan player for The Hundred Tournament
— [Mar 20, Mar-13] SunRisers Leeds' X Account Suspended After Backlash Over Abrar Ahmed's Signings (Indiatoday.in)The Sunrisers Leeds cricket team acquired Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed in a London auction, sparking intense backlash from Indian fans who criticized his alleged mockery of India's defense forces. While BCCI officials have not issued an official statement yet, it is understood that they are urging the franchise owners to proceed cautiously regarding this controversial selection.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla stated that his board has no authority to intervene because Sunrisers Leeds' signing of Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed is an overseas league matter outside BCCI jurisdiction. Despite heavy social media criticism and the suspension of their X account, neither Kavya Maran nor Daniel Vettori have issued official statements regarding why they targeted a Pakistani spinner after missing out on Adil Rashid at auction for £190,000 in October 256
Sunrisers Leeds faced intense social media backlash after purchasing Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed during a cricket auction despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan that have prevented Pakistani players from participating in Indian leagues since 2014, while the franchise's X account was suspended overnight due to criticism.
The SunRisers Leeds' official X account was temporarily suspended on March 12 following their purchase of Pakistani cricketer Abrar Ahmed at The Hundred auction. While no specific reason for the suspension has been provided by X, fans in India criticized both the acquisition and the subsequent social media disruption after learning that another Pakistan player had also sold during London's event.
Sunrisers Leeds head coach Daniel Vettori defended their decision to sign Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed after missing out on England's Adil Rashid at the auction due to a bidding war with Southern Brave. The signing sparked backlash from Indian fans, who are upset because Sun Group owns both teams and has historically avoided hiring Pakistani players in IPL franchises like Sunrisers Hyderabad for several years.