Former cricketer Gavaskar criticizes Sunrisers signing of Pakistani player Abrar

Pakistan Cricketer Abrar Ahmed Signs with Sunrisers Leeds Franchise

A Pakistani cricketer, Abrar Ahmed, has been signed by the Hundred franchise Sunrisers Leeds, a team owned by an Indian entity. The signing of Ahmed by the franchise has sparked controversy due to India’s longstanding diplomatic tensions with Pakistan.

According to reports, players from Pakistan have not participated in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2009. However, it was initially speculated that Pakistani players involved in the inaugural Hundred auction would face a “shadow ban” and be refused by IPL-affiliated teams. Sunrisers Leeds, which is part of the same group as the IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad, has faced backlash on social media after signing Ahmed for 190,000 pounds ($252,000).

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his concerns over the signing, stating that the fees paid to Pakistani players indirectly contribute to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians. Gavaskar also noted that even if the owner is not directly Indian, they are still contributing to Indian casualties.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has stated that all eight franchises in the Hundred competition will select players based solely on their performances. The controversy surrounding Ahmed’s signing highlights the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.

Source: Al Jazeera