The Hundred 2026 auction created major discussion in the cricket world, especially around Pakistani players and their participation in the league. Before the auction, many reports suggested that teams linked with IPL ownership might avoid signing Pakistani cricketers.
However, the auction results showed a mixed picture. While several well-known Pakistani players went unsold, two spin bowlers managed to secure contracts and become part of the upcoming season.
The developments have once again sparked debate about Pakistani players’ opportunities in international franchise leagues connected to Indian business ownership.
Big Pakistani Names Miss Out in the Auction
Many fans expected top Pakistani cricketers to attract strong bidding in the auction. However, some of the biggest names surprisingly went unsold.
Notable Pakistani Players Who Went Unsold
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Haris Rauf | Fast Bowler |
| Shadab Khan | All-rounder |
| Saim Ayub | Batter |
Another major development was the late withdrawal of fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi before the auction.
The absence of bids for several well-known Pakistani stars led to fresh discussions among cricket fans about whether franchise decisions were influenced by off-field factors.
Two Pakistani Players Finally Break Through
Despite the uncertainty before the auction, two Pakistani players successfully secured contracts.
Both players are specialist spinners and impressed franchises with their ability to control games in the middle overs.
Pakistani Players Sold in The Hundred 2026 Auction
| Player | Role | Team | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abrar Ahmed | Leg Spinner | Sunrisers Leeds | £190,000 |
| Usman Tariq | Mystery Spinner | Birmingham Phoenix | £140,000 |
Their selection ended speculation that Pakistani players might be completely ignored in the tournament.
Sunrisers Leeds Sign Abrar Ahmed for £190,000
One of the biggest moments of the auction came when Sunrisers Leeds secured Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.
The franchise showed strong interest and eventually signed him for £190,000, making him one of the most expensive overseas spin bowlers in the competition.
Why the Team Chose Abrar Ahmed
Sunrisers Leeds had a clear strategy during the auction. The team needed a quality frontline spinner after letting go of some experienced players during the retention phase.
Abrar Ahmed offers several strengths:
- Sharp leg-spin and variations
- Ability to take wickets in the middle overs
- Experience in T20 leagues and international cricket
The team believes his mystery spin and attacking approach can play a key role in their bowling attack.
Birmingham Phoenix Invest in Mystery Spinner Usman Tariq
Another interesting signing was made by Birmingham Phoenix, who bought mystery spinner Usman Tariq for £140,000.
The franchise entered a competitive bidding battle before finally securing the Pakistani spinner.
Why Phoenix Picked Usman Tariq
Usman Tariq has attracted global attention because of his unusual bowling action and his ability to confuse batters in the shortest format.
Key strengths that impressed the franchise include:
- Difficult-to-read bowling action
- Control during middle overs
- Ability to stop big hitters from scoring freely
The conditions at Edgbaston are expected to assist spin bowlers, which also made Tariq an attractive option for the team.
Read more: Bangladesh Players in IPL 2026: Full List, Auction Result, Prices & Status
Women’s Auction: No Pakistani Players Selected
Pakistan’s women players also registered for the auction, but none were picked by franchises.
Pakistani Women Players Who Entered the Draft
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Fatima Sana | All-rounder |
| Sadia Iqbal | Spinner |
| Diana Baig | All-rounder |
| Muneeba Ali | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
Although these players are among the top names in Pakistan women’s cricket, they did not receive bids during the draft.
T20 World Cup 2026 Performances Played a Role
Recent performances in the T20 World Cup 2026 influenced the auction decisions.
Usman Tariq’s Impressive Performance
Usman Tariq made headlines during the tournament with a brilliant bowling spell of 4 wickets for 16 runs, which ranked among the best bowling figures of the competition.
His ability to control scoring during crucial middle overs increased his value in franchise cricket.
Abrar Ahmed’s Impact
Abrar Ahmed was also part of Pakistan’s spin attack during the tournament. While fast bowlers received most of the spotlight, franchises still valued Abrar’s ability as a strike spinner in T20 cricket.
His potential and skill set convinced Sunrisers Leeds to invest heavily in him.
Debate Continues Around Pakistani Players in Franchise Leagues
The Hundred auction once again highlighted the complex relationship between cricket leagues and international politics.
Some teams in the tournament have business links with IPL franchises, which raised questions about whether Pakistani players would be selected.
Although two players secured contracts, several high-profile names going unsold kept the discussion alive among fans and analysts.
For now, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq will represent Pakistan in the upcoming season, and their performances could influence future opportunities for other Pakistani cricketers in global franchise leagues.
