The Hundred: Sunrisers Leeds signs Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed

Sunrisers acquired him for £190,000 ( ₹2,34,59,395) after a bidding war with Trent Rocks, making him the first Pakistani player bought by an Indian-owned franchise.

Several Pakistan players have previously played for global T20 teams owned or part-owned by IPL franchises, but no active Pakistan internationals have featured in the IPL since 2008 due to long-running geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.

Two Pakistan internationals - Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim - appeared in last year’s tournament, which was the final edition before new investors took control.