Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla has made it clear that the board has no authority to intervene in the dispute over the signing of the Pakistan spinner by the Sunrisers franchise. Abrar Ahmed For the upcoming season of The Hundred.The Sun TV Network-owned franchise has faced heavy criticism on social media platforms after acquiring Abrar during the player auction. Many consumers in India have expressed their anger over the decision, citing the current national mood. Franchise owner Kavya Maren has also been targeted online, while the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Sunrisers Leeds was reportedly suspended amid backlash.
Despite the growing criticism, the franchise has yet to issue an official statement. On Friday, however, Shukla clarified that the matter does not fall under the BCCI’s jurisdiction as the tournament is played outside India.“It has nothing to do with the IPL. It is an overseas league. It is not in our domain. There is nothing we can do. They will have to take a call,” Shukla told news agency ANI on Friday afternoon.During Thursday’s auction, Abrar, currently the world’s No. 3 bowler in T20 Internationals, was bought by the franchise for £190,000 (about US$255,000). At the auction table, the head coach Daniel Vettori And Marin was seen making a successful bid, beating off competition from Trent Rockets.After the signing, Vettori explained that the team targeted Abrar after missing out on England spinner Adil Rashid, who had already been drafted by another side. He also mentioned the Pakistani spinner. Usman Tariq It was earlier part of the franchise’s plans, but after securing Abrar, the management decided not to pursue another spinner.Indian investment in The Hundred expanded significantly in October 2025, with four teams in the competition being supported by Indian owners. Since then, speculations were rife that Indian-owned franchises might avoid signing Pakistani players. Sunrisers’ move to acquire Abrar effectively dispelled those rumours.In fact, only two Pakistani cricketers were selected during the men’s hundred auction this year: Abrar and Tariq. Nevertheless, Sunrisers’ decision has sparked strong reactions in India, with many fans urging the franchise to reconsider the signing.
