Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi weighed in on the controversy over Sunrisers Leeds signing Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed, reaching out to Sun TV co-owner Kavya Maran amid criticism from fans and cricketing figures.
Lalit Modi enters Abrar Ahmed controversy, reaches out to Kavya Maran
New Delhi: Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has entered the debate surrounding Sunrisers Leeds’ decision to sign Pakistan mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed at The Hundred 2026 auction. The move has sparked significant criticism from cricket fans and experts in India.
Abrar Ahmed was signed by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000, drawing sharp reactions due to the long-standing absence of Pakistani players in Indian-run franchises and tense India-Pakistan relations. Sunil Gavaskar was among the most vocal critics, questioning the decision and raising ethical and nationalistic concerns.
Amid the criticism, Lalit Modi posted a message on social media directed at Kavya Maran, Executive Director of Sun TV Network and co-owner of the Sunrisers franchises. Modi highlighted the optics of signing a Pakistani player amid heightened fan sensitivities, writing: “Investing ₹2.34 crore on a Pakistani player when the fans are already on edge? I know a thing or two about managing optics and building empires. Call me.”
The post was accompanied by a video clip discussing the controversy and noted the impact of the signing on The Hundred’s reputation.
This is the first time an IPL-linked franchise has signed a Pakistani player for an overseas league. Abrar Ahmed was one of two Pakistan players selected at the auction, alongside Usman Tariq for Birmingham Phoenix. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), organizers of The Hundred, had cautioned franchises against discriminating based on nationality.
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Gavaskar, writing in Mid-Day, criticized the payment made to Abrar Ahmed, suggesting that it could indirectly contribute to broader geopolitical tensions. He emphasized that Indian owners, even of overseas subsidiaries, carry responsibility in such decisions, given historical sensitivities since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The controversy highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and public sentiment, raising questions about Indian franchise involvement in overseas leagues with players from Pakistan.
