Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has stated that the signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed by Sunrisers Leeds “indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians”.
Gavaskar’s comments represent the most prominent criticism regarding Sunrisers’ acquisition of Abrar during last week’s Hundred auction under IPL.
Leeds is owned by the Sun Group, which also owns Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Since 2009, IPL teams have been prohibited from signing Pakistani players due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
By securing Abrar at the auction, Sunrisers alleviated concerns that the four Hundred franchises linked to IPL teams would refrain from signing Pakistani players.
There has been some backlash directed at Sunrisers on social media, which was followed by Gavaskar’s column in the Indian newspaper Mid-Day.
“The uproar caused by the acquisition of a Pakistani player by the Indian owner of a franchise in The Hundred is hardly unexpected,” Gavaskar remarked.
“Since the Mumbai attacks in November 2008, Indian franchise owners have consistently overlooked Pakistani players for the IPL.”, he added further.
Pakistani players might not participate in the Hundred due to IPL ban
Pakistani cricketers appear poised to miss another significant overseas league, as reports indicate that IPL-affiliated ownership groups are reluctant to place bids for them in the upcoming Hundred auction.
This situation reflects a recurring trend where political conflicts involving India extend into the realm of franchise cricket, resulting in limited opportunities for Pakistani players beyond bilateral series.
Since 2009, Pakistani players have been absent from the IPL due to diplomatic complications.
Critics now argue that this same political mindset is being indirectly imposed on other teams through franchise ownership frameworks.
Although these tournaments present themselves as global and inclusive, Pakistani cricketers continue to face obstacles linked to ownership affiliations rather than their actual performance.
Read more: Pakistani players could miss the Hundred amid IPL ownership bias
