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Sunil Gavaskar has criticised the signing of Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed by Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred, warning that the move by the SRH-owned franchise could trigger protests and even fan boycotts during IPL 2026.
Gavaskar makes big statement after Sunrisers' Abrar Ahmed deal
New Delhi Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has criticised the decision of Sunrisers Leeds to sign Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed during the latest auction of The Hundred, warning that the move could lead to protests and fan backlash in India.
Sunrisers Leeds is linked to the Sunrisers Hyderabad, whose CEO and co-owner is Kavya Maran. The signing sparked widespread reactions on social media, with several fans expressing anger and even threatening to boycott SRH matches during the upcoming IPL season.
In his comments on the issue, Gavaskar said the controversy surrounding the signing was not unexpected. He pointed out that Indian franchise owners have largely avoided signing Pakistani players in global leagues since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
According to Gavaskar, many Indian entities have refrained from engaging Pakistani athletes due to concerns that payments made to them could indirectly contribute to funds used by Pakistan’s government.
Sunrisers Leeds head coach Daniel Vettori had earlier said that Abrar Ahmed was chosen after the team failed to secure the services of England leg-spinner Adil Rashid in the auction.
Gavaskar said Vettori, being from New Zealand, may not fully understand the complex political and security dynamics between India and Pakistan. However, he added that Indian franchise owners should be aware of the sensitivities involved in such decisions.
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The former cricketer also warned that the decision could trigger strong reactions from Indian cricket fans. He suggested that protests might take place at stadiums when Sunrisers Hyderabad play matches in the upcoming Indian Premier League season.
Gavaskar also said it would not be surprising if crowds stay away from matches to express their dissatisfaction with the franchise’s decision.
Gavaskar expressed hope that the franchise would reconsider the move and address public concerns before the start of the season.
The controversy has once again highlighted the sensitive intersection of sport and politics, particularly when it involves India–Pakistan relations.
