Abrar Ahmed Signs with Sunrisers Leeds
Spinner Abrar Ahmed, who has earned 63 caps for Pakistan across formats, was purchased by Sunrisers Leeds in the men's Hundred auction. This move helped to alleviate concerns that Pakistan players might be overlooked by franchises affiliated with the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Last month, sources informed that the four Hundred franchises linked to the IPL were not considering Pakistani players, reflecting a ban that has been in place in India since 2009.
Abrar, aged 27, was acquired for £190,000 by Leeds, a franchise fully controlled by the owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad and based at Headingley.
James Coles Commands Highest Auction Price
In other auction highlights, uncapped 21-year-old James Coles surpassed more established players to secure the highest bid of £390,000. The Sussex spin-bowling all-rounder was signed by London Spirit, the Lord's-based franchise.
The substantial fee paid for Coles further demonstrates the growing financial power of the Hundred, following the sale of stakes in all eight teams to investors last year.
The auctions, which commenced on Wednesday with the women's tournament, mark the first auctions held in a major British sport.
At 16, Coles became the youngest player to appear in first-class cricket for Sussex. He spent the winter playing for Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the South Africa T20 competition and has debuted for England Lions. His salary for the 2026 Hundred edition represents nearly a 13-fold increase from the £31,000 he earned playing for Southern Brave in 2025.
Other Notable Transfers
Other significant acquisitions included leg-spinner Adil Rashid joining Southern Brave for £250,000 and Joe Root moving to Welsh Fire for £240,000 in the first sale of the day. Welsh Fire also invested £300,000 in England white-ball batter Jordan Cox.
ECB Addresses Anti-Discrimination Concerns
Following reports that IPL-linked Hundred teams would exclude Pakistani players, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued reminders to all eight franchises regarding their anti-discrimination responsibilities.
Subsequently, the ECB and the franchises released a joint statement emphasizing that
"players must not be excluded on the grounds of nationality".
Women's Auction and Pakistan Players
Neither of the two Pakistani internationals in the women's auction were selected on Wednesday. Coaches from IPL-linked Hundred teams informed that they had not received instructions to avoid Pakistani players.
In the men's auction, 13 Pakistani players were available after pace bowler Shaheen Afridi withdrew.
Notably, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Saim Ayub did not attract bids when initially offered but may re-enter the auction later.
Spinner Usman Tariq, who was a standout performer in the recent T20 World Cup, attracted bids from Birmingham Phoenix and Trent Rockets, franchises not affiliated with the IPL. Tariq was ultimately purchased by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000.
In the final sale of the morning, Abrar Ahmed received bids from Sunrisers and Trent Rockets after entering at a base price of £75,000.
Following Abrar's signing, Sunrisers posted on X:
"Abrar at Headingley, soon."
Financial Overview and Franchise Investments
The auctions represent a further phase in the Hundred's revamp following the sale of stakes in all eight teams last year.
Collectively, franchises are investing just over £7 million annually in salaries for the women's competition and more than £16 million per year in the men's tournament.
For some owners, participation in the Hundred enhances their portfolio of teams in franchise leagues globally. All investors seek returns through commercial deals, ticket sales, and television rights.
Welsh Fire's coach Michael Hussey commented on the spending approach, stating
"It's a balance".
