Sunrisers Leeds head coach Daniel Vettori has explained the reason behind the franchise signing Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed during The Hundred 2026 player auction.
The team secured Abrar for £190,000, making him one of the key spin options in their squad for the upcoming season.
According to Vettori, the decision came after the team missed out on their first-choice spinner and quickly shifted their strategy during the auction.
Why Sunrisers Leeds Targeted Abrar Ahmed
Vettori revealed that the team’s first choice was England leg-spinner Adil Rashid. However, Rashid was picked early in the auction by Southern Brave, forcing Sunrisers to look at other overseas spin options.
Abrar Ahmed was among several spinners being considered.
Vettori said the team had shortlisted four or five overseas spinners, and Abrar stood out because of his variations and wicket-taking ability.
His bowling style, which includes multiple variations and the ability to attack batters during different phases of the innings, made him a strong option for the squad.
Auction Battle for Abrar Ahmed
The bidding for Abrar Ahmed turned into an exciting contest between Sunrisers Leeds and Trent Rockets.
Below is a quick look at how the auction unfolded:
| Auction Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening Bid | £100,000 by Trent Rockets |
| Main Bidding Teams | Sunrisers Leeds & Trent Rockets |
| Final Price | £190,000 |
| Winning Team | Sunrisers Leeds |
The bidding continued between the two teams until the price reached £190,000, after which Trent Rockets decided to withdraw.
Sunrisers Leeds successfully secured Abrar as their major spin signing.
After losing the bid, Trent Rockets later signed Danny Briggs, who will partner Mitchell Santner in their spin attack.
No Discussion About Avoiding Pakistan Players
Before the auction, some reports suggested that teams connected to the IPL might avoid signing Pakistani players.
However, Daniel Vettori rejected those claims. He said the franchise focused only on choosing the best players available in the auction.
The coach explained that the team evaluated every player equally and made decisions based on skills and team requirements.
Feedback From Australian Players
Vettori also spoke about getting feedback from Australian players who had recently faced Abrar Ahmed.
According to those players, Abrar is a difficult bowler to read and can trouble batters with his different variations. His ability to bowl effectively during the powerplay as well as the middle overs was another reason the team wanted him in the squad.
Many English players have not faced Abrar before, which could also give him an advantage in the tournament.
Why Abrar Ahmed Could Be Effective at Headingley
Sunrisers Leeds will play their home matches at Headingley, a ground where spinners have often performed well.
Vettori believes Abrar’s style of bowling could suit the conditions there.
His ability to control the run rate and take wickets in important phases of the innings could play a key role in the team’s strategy during the tournament.
Pakistani Players in The Hundred 2026 Auction
Abrar Ahmed was among the few Pakistani players who were picked in the auction.
Here is a quick overview:
| Player | Auction Result | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Usman Tariq | Sold | £140,000 |
| Abrar Ahmed | Sold | £190,000 |
| Shadab Khan | Unsold | — |
| Saim Ayub | Unsold | — |
| Haris Rauf | Unsold | — |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Withdrew before auction | — |
Abrar became the second Pakistani player sold during the auction after Usman Tariq.
What This Signing Means for Sunrisers Leeds
The signing of Abrar Ahmed highlights Sunrisers Leeds’ strategy of strengthening their spin department for the upcoming season.
His ability to bowl in different situations and create pressure on batters could make him an important player for the team in The Hundred 2026.
The franchise believes his skills and variations can make a real impact, especially on spin-friendly pitches like Headingley.
