Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Leeds owner Kavya Maran has chosen not to comment on the controversy surrounding the signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred 2026.
The signing created widespread debate after Sunrisers Leeds secured the Pakistan international for £190,000 (approximately Rs 2.45 crore) during the player draft. Maran was present at the auction when the franchise finalised the deal, but she has now avoided addressing the criticism.
Kavya Maran Keeps Focus On Team Selection
During an interview with media, Maran was asked about the controversy linked to Abrar Ahmed’s inclusion in the squad.
Instead of responding to the debate, she kept the focus on the team’s preparations.
“We are really happy with both our squads; we have so many bases covered,” Maran said.
She did not make any further remarks regarding the criticism over the Pakistan spinner’s signing.
Abrar Ahmed’s Signing Sparked Debate
Abrar Ahmed’s selection by Sunrisers Leeds became one of the most talked-about moments of The Hundred auction.
The Pakistan leg-spinner was bought for £190,000, making him one of the high-value overseas signings in the competition.
However, the move triggered strong reactions on social media and among sections of cricket fans, especially because of the political tensions between India and Pakistan. Despite the criticism, neither the franchise nor Maran has offered any detailed explanation regarding the decision.
Jacob Bethell Ruled Out Of The Hundred
Meanwhile, England all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of this year’s edition of The Hundred after suffering a right knee injury.
Bethell picked up the injury during England’s recently concluded ODI series against India. An MRI scan later confirmed the issue, forcing him to withdraw from the tournament.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has not announced how long the 21-year-old will remain sidelined.
Injury Raises Concerns Ahead Of Pakistan Test Series
Bethell’s absence could become a concern for England ahead of the Test series against Pakistan, which begins on August 19 at Headingley.
The ECB confirmed that the youngster has started his rehabilitation programme and will provide further updates when required.
“Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of The Hundred due to a right knee injury. He sustained the injury during the Metro Bank ODI Series and had an MRI scan yesterday morning. He will start his rehabilitation, and we will provide updates as needed,” the ECB said in a statement.
Birmingham Phoenix Lose Their Captain
The injury is another major blow for Birmingham Phoenix, who had retained Bethell on a £340,000 contract and appointed him captain for the 2026 season.
The franchise, jointly owned by Warwickshire and Knighthead Capital, had placed significant faith in the young all-rounder.
Expressing his disappointment, Bethell said he was frustrated to miss the tournament but would now focus entirely on recovery.
“It’s frustrating to miss out on The Hundred, especially representing Birmingham Phoenix in front of our supporters at Edgbaston. Unfortunately, I need to take the time to get back to full fitness. My focus now is on completing my rehabilitation and returning fully fit,” he said.
Bethell Considered England’s Future Leader
Despite the setback, Bethell remains one of England’s brightest young cricketers.
He previously captained England during the T20I series in Ireland when Harry Brook was rested. Additionally, many experts see him as a potential long-term successor to Ben Stokes in Test cricket and a future leader across formats.
England will now closely monitor his rehabilitation, hoping he regains fitness before the upcoming international assignments.