Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has expressed strong disapproval over the decision by Sunrisers Leeds to sign Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed at The Hundred auction for £190,000 (around ₹2.3 crore). The move sparked intense criticism on social media, particularly in India, due to the strained history between the two countries and recent terror incidents.
Gavaskar highlighted that the backlash was predictable, noting that Indian franchise owners have historically avoided Pakistani players since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He also referenced the 2019 Pulwama terror attack and the Pahalgam incident, emphasizing that payments to Pakistani players could indirectly fund the Pakistani government, which may contribute to violence affecting Indian citizens.
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“The furore over acquiring a Pakistani player by an Indian-owned franchise is hardly surprising. Indian owners have avoided Pakistani cricketers ever since the Mumbai attacks. Realising that fees paid to a Pakistani player may indirectly contribute to casualties in India explains this strong reaction,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-day.
The Sunrisers Leeds faced additional criticism when coach Daniel Vettori revealed that another Pakistan spinner, Usman Tariq, had been considered. The franchise’s social media account temporarily deactivated after the backlash, highlighting the controversy.
Gavaskar underscored that while foreign coaches may not grasp the implications, Indian owners should be aware of the sensitivities. He questioned whether tournament success is worth prioritizing over the lives of Indian citizens, expressing his disapproval of the franchise’s insensitivity in pursuing Pakistani talent.
