Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticised the decision by Sunrisers Leeds to sign Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for the upcoming season of The Hundred.
Abrar was picked up for £190,000 during last week’s auction, sparking backlash among fans and cricket circles amid ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. The Headingley-based franchise is owned by the Sun Group, which also owns Sunrisers Hyderabad.
In his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar expressed concern that payments made to Pakistani players could indirectly benefit Pakistan’s government through taxes, which he controversially linked to harm against Indian soldiers and civilians. He said this is one reason Indian franchises have avoided Pakistani players since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Relations between the two cricketing nations have remained strained for years, with no bilateral series since 2012–13 and Pakistani players effectively excluded from the IPL. The recent T20 World Cup clash between the two sides was also nearly boycotted before being held at a neutral venue.
Gavaskar also questioned the Sun Group’s decision-making, suggesting clearer guidance should have been given to avoid such signings. He added that there is still time for the franchise to reconsider its move.
Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board has reiterated that players must not be excluded based on nationality, following reports that IPL-linked franchises might avoid Pakistani players.
