Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed has created history after becoming the first Pakistani player to be signed by an Indian-owned team in The Hundred.
Abrar was picked during the tournament’s player draft, marking a significant moment in cricket as Indian-owned franchises in overseas leagues rarely sign players from Pakistan due to long-standing political and sporting tensions between the two countries.
Historic signing in The Hundred
The talented spinner was bought by Northern Superchargers, a team partly owned by the Indian conglomerate Sun Group.
The move makes Abrar the first Pakistani cricketer to feature in a team with Indian ownership in The Hundred, highlighting the evolving dynamics of franchise cricket around the world.
Rising star in Pakistan cricket
Abrar Ahmed gained international attention for his impressive performances in Pakistan Super League and international cricket.
Nicknamed the “mystery spinner,” he has become known for his deceptive variations and wicket-taking ability in limited-overs formats.
His inclusion in The Hundred is expected to strengthen the spin attack of Northern Superchargers in the upcoming season.
A sign of changing franchise cricket landscape
The Hundred, organised by the England and Wales Cricket Board, has become one of the most prominent short-format cricket competitions globally.
The league features teams owned by investors from different countries, including India, which has expanded the commercial reach of the tournament.
Abrar’s signing is seen as a notable development in international franchise cricket, where player selections are increasingly driven by performance and global market appeal.
Cricket fans have welcomed the move as a positive step for the sport, demonstrating how franchise leagues can bridge gaps between players from rival cricketing nations.