Sunil Gavaskar Critiques Sunrisers Leeds for Signing Pakistani Spinner Abrar Ahmed

The signing of Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed by Sunrisers Leeds during The Hundred Auction has sparked significant controversy, with former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar weighing in on the backlash. Gavaskar argues that payments to Pakistani players indirectly contribute to military funding, raising questions about the implications of such decisions in the context of India-Pakistan relations. This article delves into the reactions and the broader impact of the signing on the cricketing community.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 16:30 IST

Controversy Surrounds Abrar Ahmed's Signing

Sunil Gavaskar, the former captain of India and a renowned batting icon, has expressed his views on the backlash faced by Sunrisers Leeds after they acquired Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed during The Hundred Auction held on March 12 in London.

The franchise, which is affiliated with Sunrisers Hyderabad, ignited significant outrage on social media when they signed Ahmed for £190,000 (approximately INR 2.34 Crore). Prior to the auction, it was reported that the IPL-associated team would refrain from bidding on Pakistani players due to political sensitivities and historical tensions, particularly following the Pahalgam terror attack.

However, in light of the England and Wales Cricket Board's commitment to non-discrimination and open player selection, Sunrisers Leeds decided to bid for Abrar Ahmed, challenging the previously held assumptions.

Gavaskar's Perspective on the Backlash

The signing of Abrar Ahmed led to a storm of criticism online, with many questioning the decision given the fraught history between India and Pakistan. Gavaskar commented on the situation, stating that the backlash was 'hardly surprising.'

In his column for a local publication, he noted that payments made to Pakistani players ultimately benefit their government, which uses those funds for military purposes, indirectly contributing to the loss of Indian lives. This context makes the public's reaction understandable.

Gavaskar remarked, 'The uproar over the signing of a Pakistani player by an Indian franchise owner is not unexpected. Since the Mumbai attacks in 2008, Indian franchise owners have largely avoided Pakistani players in the IPL.'

Implications of the Signing

He further elaborated that the realization of how payments to Pakistani players contribute to military funding has led Indian entities to avoid collaborations with Pakistani artists and athletes.

Other Indian-owned franchises, such as Manchester Super Giants, MI London, and Southern Brave, have also refrained from signing Pakistani players, making Leeds' decision to acquire Abrar Ahmed particularly controversial. This led to their social media account being temporarily suspended due to the backlash.

Gavaskar emphasized that the responsibility lies with the Indian owner, stating that by proceeding with the signing, they are contributing to the ongoing conflict. He pointed out that while the team's coach, Daniel Vettori, may not fully grasp the implications, the owner should have recognized the sensitivity of the situation.

Limited Signings of Pakistani Players

At the auction, Abrar Ahmed was one of only two Pakistani players signed, with the other being Usman Tariq, who was acquired by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000 (INR 1.72 Crore).

The fact that Abrar Ahmed was one of the few Pakistani players signed at the auction has intensified the scrutiny surrounding Sunrisers Leeds' decision.