The acquisition of Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed by the Sunrisers Leeds for ₹2.34 crore in ‘The Hundred’ tournament auction has triggered a massive controversy. Supporters of the SRH IPL franchise have taken to social media to call for a boycott, questioning the franchise’s decision to sign a player who has allegedly made derogatory remarks against the Indian Army and Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in the past.

The signing, overseen by SRH CEO Kavya Maran and head coach Daniel Vettori, has sparked outrage, especially given Abrar’s history of unsportsmanlike conduct, including his on-field altercation with Shubman Gill during the Asia Cup. Amid the growing criticism, the official ‘X’ handle of Sunrisers Leeds was found suspended on Thursday. While X has not provided a specific reason for the suspension, the timing coincides with a surge of reports and public backlash from Indian cricket fans.