SUNRISERS : #BoycottSRH Trends After Abrar Ahmed Signing
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
The 2026 IPL season has already started generating headlines even before several matches begin. Recently, the hashtag #BoycottSRH began trending across social media platforms after a controversial cricket signing linked to the franchise owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The controversy erupted after the Sun Group, owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad and other global cricket franchises, acquired Pakistani mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed for their team Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred player auction. The signing sparked strong reactions from sections of Indian cricket fans who began calling for a boycott of SRH in the upcoming Indian Premier League season.
Although the signing happened in a different league, many fans connected it to SRH’s IPL identity, triggering the viral hashtag #BoycottSRH ahead of IPL 2026.
Highlights of the SRH–Abrar Ahmed Controversy
Key Detail | Information |
Player involved | Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan mystery spinner) |
Franchise involved | Sunrisers Leeds (owned by Sun Group) |
Related IPL team | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
League where signing happened | The Hundred (England) |
Auction price | £190,000 (approx ₹2.3 crore) |
Social media trend | |
Main reason | Signing of a Pakistani cricketer by an IPL-linked franchise |
Who Is Abrar Ahmed?
Abrar Ahmed is a Pakistani leg-spinner known for his mystery bowling style.
Key facts about Abrar Ahmed:
International cricketer representing Pakistan
Known for variations and deceptive leg spin
Played multiple T20 internationals for Pakistan
Gained global recognition through franchise leagues
His ability to take wickets in the middle overs has made him an attractive option for T20 franchises worldwide.
During the 2026 Hundred player auction, Sunrisers Leeds secured his services after a bidding battle with another franchise.
Why Did #BoycottSRH Trend?
The hashtag #BoycottSRH started trending shortly after the auction announcement.
Main Reasons Behind the Backlash
1. Pakistani Player Signed by IPL-Linked Franchise
Since 2009, Pakistani players have not participated in the IPL due to political tensions between India and Pakistan.
When an IPL-linked franchise signed a Pakistani cricketer in another league, many fans reacted strongly on social media.
Some fans argued that the decision contradicts the long-standing IPL situation.
2. Emotional Reactions From Fans
Many fans expressed anger and disappointment online, with some calling the move “shameful” and demanding a boycott of the franchise in IPL matches.
Posts on social media platforms began circulating widely, leading to the trending hashtag.
3. Connection With SRH Ownership
Although the signing happened in The Hundred, the controversy spread to Sunrisers Hyderabad because both franchises are owned by the Sun Group, headed by Kavya Maran and the Maran family.
This ownership connection made the IPL team part of the online backlash.
Important Clarification: Abrar Ahmed Is NOT Playing in IPL 2026
A key fact that many fans misunderstood is that:
Abrar Ahmed was signed only for The Hundred league in England.
He has not been signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2026.
The IPL still does not include Pakistani players in the tournament.
Therefore, the controversy is mainly a social media reaction rather than an IPL rule change.
Details of the Hundred Auction Deal
During the 2026 The Hundred auction, Sunrisers Leeds made headlines by signing Abrar Ahmed.
Auction Details
Category | Information |
Player | Abrar Ahmed |
Team | Sunrisers Leeds |
Price | £190,000 |
Indian value | Around ₹2.3 crore |
Competing bidder | Trent Rockets |
The signing made Abrar one of the most talked-about players of the auction.
Reactions From Cricket Fans
Social media platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit saw thousands of reactions.
Some fans criticised the decision and demanded a boycott of SRH matches.
Others defended the move, arguing that sports leagues should remain separate from political tensions.
A Reddit discussion about the signing also sparked intense debate among cricket fans.
“Sunrisers Leeds… bought mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed.”
The discussion highlighted how the decision divided opinion among fans.
Impact on IPL 2026
At the moment, the controversy is limited to social media debates.
There is no official impact on:
IPL scheduling
Sunrisers Hyderabad participation
Player eligibility rules
The team is still expected to compete normally in the IPL 2026 season.
However, such controversies can influence fan sentiment and online narratives during the tournament.
Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026
Sunrisers Hyderabad remains one of the competitive teams in the IPL.
Key points about the franchise:
Founded in 2013
IPL champions in 2016
Known for strong bowling attacks
Home ground: Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium
The team will aim to focus on performance despite the off-field social media discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is #BoycottSRH trending?
The hashtag started trending after the Sun Group’s franchise Sunrisers Leeds signed Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred auction.
Did Sunrisers Hyderabad sign Abrar Ahmed for IPL 2026?
No. Abrar Ahmed was signed only for Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred, not for IPL 2026.
Can Pakistani players play in the IPL?
Currently, Pakistani cricketers do not participate in the IPL due to long-standing political and sporting restrictions.
Who owns Sunrisers Hyderabad?
The franchise is owned by the Sun Group, represented by Kavya Maran and the Maran family.
Final Takeaway
The #BoycottSRH trend shows how strongly cricket fans react to decisions involving politics and international relations. The controversy began after an IPL-linked franchise signed Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred auction, sparking widespread discussion across social media platforms.
However, it is important to note that Abrar Ahmed is not part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad for IPL 2026, and the signing happened in a different league altogether. While the debate continues online, the focus will soon shift back to the cricket field as IPL 2026 matches begin and teams battle for the title.
For now, the incident remains one of the most talked-about pre-IPL controversies of 2026, highlighting the powerful influence of fan sentiment in modern cricket.
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