India, March 13 -- The Sunrisers franchise is having severe backlash on social media after acquiring Pakistan mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed in the men's player auction on Thursday. Abrar became the first Pakistani player to be signed by an Indian-owned team in The Hundred, after the Sunrisers picked him up for USD 255,000. However, the move didn't go down well in India, as several fans took to social media to criticise Sunrisers and team owner Kavya Maran for signing a Pakistan player and going against national sentiment.

At the Hundred men's player auction, owner Kavya Maran was seen sitting at the table alongside head coach Daniel Vettori. Ahead of the auction, there was heavy scrutiny over whether the four Indian-owned teams in the Hund...