The landscape of global T20 cricket is changing quickly. For many years, an unofficial barrier seemed to keep Pakistani cricketers away from franchises connected to Indian Premier League (IPL) owners in overseas leagues. While there was never a formal rule, the trend was noticeable across multiple tournaments.
However, recent signings in 2025 and 2026 suggest that the situation is evolving. One of the biggest moments came when mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed was picked by Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred 2026 auction. The move caught the attention of cricket fans worldwide because the franchise is owned by the Sun Group, the same company behind IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad.
With more examples appearing across leagues like the CPL, ILT20, MLC, and The Hundred, the list of Pakistan players picked by Indian owners in T20 leagues. Here is a closer look at the players and franchises involved in this shift.
Pakistan Players Picked by Indian Owners in T20 Leagues
| Franchise | League | Owner | Pakistan Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrisers Leeds | The Hundred | Sun Group (Kavya Maran) | Abrar Ahmed |
| Trinbago Knight Riders | CPL | Knight Riders Group (Shah Rukh Khan) | Mohammad Amir, Usman Tariq |
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | ILT20 | Knight Riders Group (Shah Rukh Khan) | Imad Wasim, Sufiyan Muqeem |
| Seattle Orcas | MLC | GMR Group (Delhi Capitals) | Zaman Khan, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim |
This list highlights Pakistan players picked by Indian owners in T20 leagues in global tournaments.
Abrar Ahmed Joins Sunrisers Leeds in a Historic Hundred Deal
One of the biggest stories of the 2026 season came during The Hundred auction when Sunrisers Leeds secured Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed.
- Player: Abrar Ahmed
- Price: £190,000 (approximately ₹2.34 crore)
- League: The Hundred
- Franchise Owner: Sun Group (Kavya Maran)
Abrar Ahmed, widely known for his unpredictable spin and variations, became the center of attention during the auction. Sunrisers Leeds entered a competitive bidding battle before finally securing his services.
This signing is significant because the Sun Group had never previously signed an active Pakistan international across its global teams. The group owns multiple franchises including:
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL)
- Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SA20)
- Sunrisers Leeds (The Hundred)
The Knight Riders Group, owned by Shah Rukh Khan and associated with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, has fielded Pakistan players across both the CPL and ILT20. Mohammad Amir and Usman Tariq have represented Trinbago Knight Riders, while Imad Wasim and Sufiyan Muqeem have turned out for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.
Similarly, the GMR Group — co-owners of Delhi Capitals in the IPL — has also added Pakistan internationals to their Seattle Orcas squad in Major League Cricket, including Zaman Khan, Azam Khan, and Imad Wasim.
Now Sunrisers Leeds added in this list of Pakistan Players Picked by Indian Owners in T20 Leagues to added Abrar Ahmed in their Sunrisers Leeds squad .
