Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticised Sunrisers Leeds for signing Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed during The Hundred auction, calling the move “hardly surprising” in terms of the backlash it has generated.
Speaking to Mid-Day, Gavaskar said that Indian franchise owners have historically avoided recruiting Pakistani players, particularly after the Mumbai attacks.
‘Financial Links Raise Concerns,’ Says Gavaskar
The former India captain went a step further, arguing that payments made to Pakistani players could indirectly benefit Pakistan’s government through taxation.
He stated that such financial flows may contribute, albeit indirectly, to military spending, which he linked to harm against Indian soldiers and civilians. Gavaskar added that this growing awareness has led many Indian entities to avoid engaging with Pakistani artistes and sportspersons.
According to him, even overseas subsidiaries owned by Indian companies should be mindful of these implications.
Warning of Fan Protests and IPL Impact
Gavaskar also cautioned that the decision could trigger strong reactions from Indian fans. He suggested that protests during matches are likely and warned that fans might even boycott games involving the franchise.
He further noted that such backlash could spill over into the Indian Premier League (IPL), potentially affecting the popularity of Sunrisers Hyderabad, the sister franchise of Sunrisers Leeds.
What Happened at The Hundred Auction?
Sunrisers Leeds, owned by Sun TV Network Limited, signed Abrar Ahmed for £190,000 (approx. ₹2.34 crore). This made them the first Indian-owned franchise in The Hundred to recruit a Pakistani player.
The move quickly sparked outrage among sections of Indian cricket fans, with many taking to social media to criticise the franchise and its co-owner Kaviya Maran.
Abrar Ahmed’s Past Controversies
Abrar Ahmed has previously been involved in incidents that drew criticism from Indian fans. During the ICC Champions Trophy, he faced backlash for giving an animated send-off to Shubman Gill after dismissing him in an India-Pakistan match.
In another controversy, the spinner was criticised for an Instagram post that appeared to mock Indians by referencing Abhinandan Varthaman, an Indian Air Force officer. The post triggered widespread outrage on social media.
Growing Debate Around Sports and Politics
The episode has once again highlighted the complex intersection of sports and geopolitics, especially in the context of India-Pakistan relations. While global leagues like The Hundred promote international participation, decisions involving players from rival nations continue to draw intense scrutiny in India.