Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticised the franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad following the signing of Pakistan cricketer Abrar Ahmed by Sunrisers Leeds during the player auction for The Hundred tournament scheduled for the 2026 season.
The development has drawn attention because Sunrisers Leeds which is connected to the Indian Premier League franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad became the only team with Indian ownership to sign a Pakistani player in the auction. The decision triggered debate among cricket observers and fans regarding the participation of players from different countries in franchise based leagues.
While speaking during a discussion on cricket related issues Gavaskar expressed his disapproval of the move. He questioned the decision of the franchise to include a Pakistani player at a time when political tensions between India and Pakistan remain sensitive. Gavaskar’s remarks were strong and reflected his view that such signings may not be appropriate given the current geopolitical context.
The comments quickly generated reactions across the cricket community and on social media where supporters and analysts discussed the broader implications of the issue. Some observers defended the signing by pointing out that international franchise leagues often bring together players from different countries regardless of political differences. Others supported Gavaskar’s concerns and argued that franchises with Indian ownership should be more cautious when making such decisions.
Abrar Ahmed is widely known for his performances in international and domestic cricket. The leg spinner has represented Pakistan national cricket team and gained attention for his wicket taking ability particularly in longer formats of the game. His inclusion in The Hundred tournament was expected to add variety and experience to the bowling lineup of the team.
The Hundred is a short format cricket competition organised by the England and Wales Cricket Board. The league features teams representing major cities in England and attracts players from around the world including international stars from several cricket playing nations.
Sunrisers Leeds is associated with the Indian Premier League franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad which competes in the Indian Premier League. Over the years IPL teams have expanded their presence in international franchise leagues by investing in teams in tournaments held in other countries.
Cricket experts note that franchise leagues operate under different regulations compared to international cricket where bilateral relations between boards sometimes affect player participation. In global franchise competitions selections are generally based on player performance and team requirements rather than political considerations.
However the debate sparked by Gavaskar’s remarks shows how sports decisions can sometimes intersect with political and public sentiment. In countries where cricket holds major cultural importance issues involving national identity and international relations can quickly become topics of public discussion.
So far Sunrisers Hyderabad has not issued an official response to the comments. The management of Sunrisers Leeds is expected to focus on preparing the squad for the upcoming season of The Hundred where teams aim to build competitive lineups through international talent.
The situation has once again highlighted how cricket franchises operating across different leagues navigate complex decisions involving player recruitment public perception and international sporting relations.
