Sunil Gavaskar Criticizes Sunrisers Hyderabad for Signing Abrar Ahmed

Sunil Gavaskar has voiced strong criticism against Sunrisers Hyderabad for their recent acquisition of Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed during The Hundred Auction. He argues that this decision could have serious political implications, potentially leading to backlash from fans during the upcoming IPL season. Gavaskar emphasizes the historical context of Indian franchises avoiding Pakistani players since the Mumbai attacks in 2008 and calls for the franchise owners to reconsider their decision. This controversy raises questions about the intersection of sports and politics in cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 14:03 IST

Gavaskar's Strong Reaction to SRH's Decision

Indian cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his discontent regarding the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) after they acquired Abrar Ahmed during the 2026 The Hundred Auction. The franchise, linked to the 2016 IPL champions, Sunrisers Leeds, secured the Pakistani spinner for £190,000 (approximately Rs. 2.32 crores). This move has led to significant criticism directed at the Hyderabad franchise, which is owned by Sun TV Network, with Kavya Maran, daughter of Kalanithi Maran, acting as the CEO of the cricket team. Kavya has a complete stake in the Leeds-based Hundred franchise, previously known as the Northern Superchargers. Ahead of the inaugural auction, reports from British media suggested that the four IPL-owned franchises would refrain from signing players from Pakistan, maintaining an alleged 'shadow ban.'

Gavaskar's Outrage Against SRH

Gavaskar stated that the backlash faced by SRH and Kavya is warranted. He emphasized that the funds allocated to Abrar could indirectly lead to the loss of Indian lives, including soldiers and civilians. The 76-year-old attributed the issue to the franchise's owners, suggesting that head coach Daniel Vettori might not fully grasp the political implications. He remarked, “The uproar surrounding the acquisition of a Pakistani player by an Indian franchise owner in The Hundred is not unexpected. Since the Mumbai attacks in November 2008, Indian franchise owners have largely overlooked Pakistani players in the IPL. Although late, the realization that payments to a Pakistani player contribute to their government’s military funding, which in turn affects Indian lives, has led Indian entities to avoid engaging with Pakistani artists and athletes,” Gavaskar noted in a statement.

He further added, “Regardless of whether the payment comes from an Indian entity or its overseas subsidiary, if the owner is Indian, they are indirectly contributing to Indian casualties. It’s straightforward. Daniel Vettori, the New Zealand coach, may not be aware of this dynamic and might have wanted Pakistani players on his team, but the owner should have recognized the situation and discouraged the acquisition. Is winning a tournament in a format that is unique to no other country more important than the lives of Indians?”

Gavaskar also predicted that SRH might encounter fan protests during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season and urged the owners to reconsider their decision. “It wouldn’t be surprising if there are significant demonstrations by Indian fans at every game, whether at home or away, protesting this controversial signing. Even with some of the most talented players on their roster, the crowds may choose to stay away in disapproval. There’s still an opportunity to rectify this mistake, and hopefully, wiser counsel will prevail,” he concluded. Since the Mumbai Terror Attacks in November 2008, no Pakistani player has participated in the IPL, despite several competing in the inaugural season in 2008. Similarly, in the SA20 league, where all six teams are owned by Indian entities, no Pakistani player has yet participated.