Kaviya Maran declined to comment on the controversy surrounding Sunrisers Leeds’ signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed, choosing instead to focus on the franchise’s long-term plans for the Hundred after the move sparked widespread debate following this year’s player draft.
The signing of Ahmed for £190,000 (approx. US$ 254.6K) triggered significant discussion because it challenged the long-held expectation that IPL-owned franchises would avoid recruiting Pakistani players across their global teams. The decision also prompted criticism in India, with reports stating that Maran received online abuse and death threats following the auction. Asked about the issue in an interview with The Telegraph, Maran limited her response to the squad itself, saying: “We are really happy with both our squads; we have so many bases covered.”
A long-term investment in English cricket
While declining to discuss the political controversy, Maran spoke extensively about why the Sunrisers group viewed the acquisition of the Leeds-based Hundred franchise as a strategic investment.
Sunrisers became the only IPL franchise to take full ownership of a Hundred team after acquiring both Yorkshire’s 51 per cent stake and the England and Wales Cricket Board‘s remaining 49 per cent share, before rebranding Northern Superchargers as Sunrisers Leeds.
Explaining the thinking behind the move, Maran said, “England has always been a cricketing powerhouse, and there is so much talent. For us it was a no-brainer when the Hundred opened up for investment. It’s a fast-pace format, looking for a new audience. It sat perfectly because our long-term vision is to build a strong global cricketing ecosystem. Leeds stood out because of Headingley’s rich cricketing heritage, the passionate fanbase locally, and so much talent has come out of there.”
She added: “This combines long-term and short-term potential, on and off the field. It’s a great opportunity to strengthen the Sunrisers brand while contributing to the growth of cricket in England, and specifically Leeds.”
Building a stronger Hundred brand
Beyond on-field success, Maran outlined a broader ambition centred on growing both the Sunrisers identity and the Hundred’s appeal through deeper engagement with supporters and the local community.
She said, “It all comes down to the quality of cricket we can play. We have to try to make the experience better for fans. They are the core. When they leave the stadium they should think ‘wow, I want to come to every game’. That is the focus. The tournament itself has tremendous potential, but we want to connect with the local community. Our team is on the ground now, working with cricket clubs, with kids at summer camps.”
Continuing that theme, she st: “We want families passionately supporting the team. We want to grow the Hundred brand, in England and globally. IPL is the number-one comp in the world. Everyone else is fighting to be number two. We want to achieve the Hundred being a thing that everyone wants to tune in for whenever it is on.”
She also stressed the importance of maintaining a strong domestic core within franchise competitions, saying: “Look at IPL. There are four overseas but people come in for domestic players. Same for SA20. Overseas players are great, bringing experience and perspective. But the local players shape the competition. We need to create an environment where English talent grows and thrives.”
Sunrisers Leeds begin with defeat
Sunrisers Leeds’ first outing under their new identity ended in disappointment as MI London secured a seven-wicket victory with 16 balls remaining.
Sunrisers were bowled out for 143 from 99 deliveries before MI London completed the chase comfortably. Ahmed, whose signing generated the pre-tournament controversy, remained unbeaten on seven from three balls, striking one six at a strike rate of 233.33. He was unable to make the same impact with the ball, conceding 30 runs from his 10-ball spell as MI London made a winning start to the new Hundred season.
