5 Pakistan Players Playing for Indian Franchises – Updated 2026

The signing of Abrar Ahmed in SRH owned franchise in The Hundred created a strong discussion across the cricket community. The mystery spinner was bought for USD 255,000, making him the first Pakistani player to join an Indian-owned team in The Hundred tournament.

Owned by the Sun Group, the Leeds-based side signed Abrar after competing with Trent Rockets in the bidding process. The signing has also led to criticism on social media directed at Sunrisers Leeds co-owner Kavya Maran. Some critics referred to earlier comments allegedly made by the 27-year-old spinner that were seen as mocking the Indian Air Force and Army during the time around Operation Sindoor in May last year.

Among the Pakistan players in The Hundred 2026, Abrar became the second cricketer to be bought in the auction, following Usman Tariq, who was signed by Birmingham Phoenix for 140,000 Pounds.

List of Pakistan Players in Indian Franchises

Pakistani players have played for many T20 teams worldwide that are owned or partly run by IPL franchises, but no Pakistani cricketer has appeared in the richest cricket league in the world, IPL, since 2008 because of the tensions between India and Pakistan. Let's have a look at the list of Pakistan players in Indian franchises across the globe.

1. Abrar Ahmed | Sunrisers Leeds

Pakistan mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed created history after the Sunrisers Leeds selected him in The Hundred auction. The team, which is owned by the Sun Group, bought him for USD 255,000. This made him the first Pakistani player to join a team in the tournament that is owned by an Indian company.

Even though there were talks that Indian-owned teams might not sign Pakistani cricketers, the franchise said the choice was made only because of his cricketing ability.

2. Mohammad Amir | Trinbago Knight Riders

Experienced Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir plays for Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League. The franchise is part of the Knight Riders Group, the same ownership group that also runs the Kolkata Knight Riders team in the IPL.

3. Usman Tariq | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

With the potential to be among the best bowlers in the world, Usman Tariq, who has recently grown to prominence in T20 cricket, plays for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the International League T20. The team is also owned by the Knight Riders Group, showing once again how Pakistani players are part of squads run by Indian franchise owners in T20 leagues around the world.

4. Zaman Khan | Seattle Orcas

Pakistan fast bowler Zaman Khan represents Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket. The team is partly owned by the GMR Group, the same company that holds a major ownership stake in the Delhi Capitals franchise in the IPL.

5. Imad Wasim | Seattle Orcas

Imad Wasim, Pakistan all-rounder, was also an important member of the Seattle Orcas squad in Major League Cricket 2024. His inclusion in the team, along with Zaman Khan, shows that Indian owned franchises have previously picked Pakistan cricketers irrespective of the political tensions between the two nations.