New Delhi: Agreement with Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed Sunrisers Leeds, the outfit owned by the Sun TV Network led by Kavya Maran, has created a major controversy in India, drawing a strong response from the legendary batsman. Sunil Gavaskar. The former captain said that Indian-owned franchises should refrain from signing Pakistani players, arguing that such payments could indirectly lead to a disadvantage against India.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Abrar was bought for £190,000 during The Hundred’s inaugural men’s auction in London, making him the first Pakistani cricketer to be selected by an Indian-owned team in the competition. The move sparked a backlash online, with the franchise’s social media accounts receiving heavy criticism and even a temporary suspension.Writing in his mid-day column, Gavaskar said the outrage was understandable given Indian cricket’s longstanding stance since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, after which Pakistani players were effectively barred. Indian Premier League. Gavaskar wrote, “The uproar created by the acquisition of a Pakistani player by an Indian owner of a franchise in The Hundred is hardly surprising.”He argued that payments made to Pakistani players ultimately return to their government through taxes. “The realization that the fees they pay to Pakistani players, who then pay income tax to their government which buys arms and weapons, indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians, is making Indian institutions reluctant to even consider hiring Pakistani artists and players”, he said.Whether the payment is from an Indian company or an overseas subsidiary, the liability still rests with the owner, Gavaskar added. “If the owner is Indian, he is contributing to Indian casualties. It’s as simple as that,” he wrote, questioning whether franchise tournament success was more important than national sentiment.He also warned that fans could vent their anger publicly. “It will not be a surprise that whatever game this team plays there will be huge protests from Indian fans who are buying hard to believe,” Gavaskar said, adding that the crowd could even boycott matches despite the presence of star players.Meanwhile the head coach of Sunrisers Leeds Daniel Vettori Defending the decision as purely cricket, the franchise went for Abrar after missing out on England leg-spinner Adil Rashid during the auction. According to Vettori, Abrar’s versatility and ability to attack in the powerplay made him an especially attractive option at Headingley.Board of India vice-president Rajeev Shukla also clarified that the Board of Control for Cricket in India cannot interfere in the matter as the signing involves a foreign league, leaving the final decision to the franchise.
