Former India Captain Links Player Payment To Indian Deaths
Former Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has sparked a major controversy after criticising the decision of the Hundred franchise Sunrisers Leeds to sign Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed. The remarks came after the team, which is owned by India’s Sun Group, bought the Pakistani player during the latest auction for the English cricket tournament The Hundred.
Gavaskar Raises National Security Concerns
Gavaskar argued that Indian-owned franchises should avoid hiring Pakistani players due to the political tensions between India and Pakistan. According to him, payments made to Pakistani cricketers could eventually contribute to government tax revenues, which he claimed might be used to support military activities against India.
The former captain said that even if the payments are made through overseas franchises, Indian owners should consider the wider consequences of their decisions. His comments reflect the long-standing sensitivities in sporting relations between the two countries.
Details Of The Signing
Sunrisers Leeds signed Abrar Ahmed for about £190,000 during the men’s auction for the 2026 edition of The Hundred. The Pakistan leg-spinner became one of the few Pakistani players picked in the competition and the only one signed by an Indian-owned franchise.
The move drew significant attention because Indian Premier League teams have not included Pakistani players since 2009 following heightened political tensions between the two nations.
Backlash And Debate In Cricket Circles
Gavaskar’s comments triggered a strong debate across the cricket world. Some critics argued that sport should remain separate from politics, while others supported his view that national interests should come first. The controversy also led to strong reactions on social media and renewed discussion about the role of geopolitics in franchise cricket.
Wider Impact On Cricket Relations
The episode highlights how relations between India and Pakistan continue to influence international cricket. Even in global franchise leagues such as The Hundred, decisions involving players from the two countries can quickly become political issues.
Experts say the debate may continue as more leagues open their doors to multinational ownership and cross-border player participation, raising questions about whether sport can truly remain separate from politics.
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