Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Kaviya Maran Silent on Sunrisers Leeds' Pakistani Player Signing
Kaviya Maran, the owner of Sunrisers Leeds, signed Pakistani player Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred, a cricket league in England.
This caused a big controversy in India because Indian teams usually don't sign Pakistani players due to political tensions.
Maran didn't comment on the issue, but she said she was happy with her team's squads.
The English cricket board said they support an inclusive league where everyone is welcome, regardless of their country.
Some people in India were very upset and even threatened Maran online.
This shows how sports and politics can mix and cause problems.
Kaviya Maran, owner of Sunrisers Leeds, signed Pakistani player Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred.
The signing sparked controversy in India due to frosty India-Pakistan relations.
Maran refused to comment on the political sensitivity of the issue.
The ECB and all eight franchises reaffirmed their commitment to an inclusive, non-discriminatory competition.
The signing amount was £190,000 (approx INR 2.45 crore).
- Who
- Kaviya Maran, owner of Sunrisers Leeds, and Pakistani player Abrar Ahmed
- What
- Signing of Abrar Ahmed by Sunrisers Leeds for The Hundred
- When
- July 21, 2026
- Where
- The Hundred league, England
- Why
- To strengthen the team, despite political tensions between India and Pakistan
Indian Nationalists
Cricket Inclusivity Advocates
Signing of Pakistani Players
Indian Nationalists
Indian nationalists oppose the signing of Pakistani players due to political tensions and security concerns, arguing that it undermines national interests.
Cricket Inclusivity Advocates
Cricket inclusivity advocates support the signing, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and inclusivity in cricket, regardless of political tensions.
- Owner
- Kaviya Maran
- Player Signed
- Abrar Ahmed
- Team
- Sunrisers Leeds
- League
- The Hundred
- Signing Amount
- £190,000 (approx INR 2.45 crore)
- Controversy Trigger
- Frosty India-Pakistan relations
- Backlash
- Death threats to Kaviya Maran
- ECB Statement
- Commitment to an inclusive, non-discriminatory competition