Lalit Modi Offers Help Amid Controversy Over Abrar Ahmed’s Signing
Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has entered the conversation about the SunRisers Leeds’ decision to sign Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred. He has offered his expertise to help manage the backlash following the announcement.
In a recent video on his X account, Modi commented on the situation: “Spending 2.34 crore on a Pakistani player when fans are already unsettled? I have some tips on managing public perception and building success. Feel free to reach out.”
The signing has led to a wave of criticism directed at SunRisers Leeds, which is part of the SunRisers Hyderabad group owned by Kavya Maran. Many people in India are expressing their concerns over this controversial decision.
ECB Takes Action
Before the auction occurred, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reached out to all eight franchises in The Hundred. They reminded them of their responsibilities concerning fair selection and anti-discrimination policies.
This proactive measure came after reports suggested that IPL-linked franchises in The Hundred, including Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and SunRisers Leeds, might hesitate to sign Pakistani players. Given that over 60 Pakistani cricketers are set to enter the 2026 draft, the ECB felt the need to clarify that while they can’t mandate selections, they must comply with regulatory standards.
Gavaskar Voices Concerns
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has voiced strong criticism regarding the signing, stating his concerns in a column for Mid-Day. His argument goes beyond cricket, touching on broader issues.
Gavaskar pointed out that payments made to Pakistani players ultimately reach the Pakistani government through taxes, which he claims could be used to fund military actions that endanger Indian lives. He emphasized that this concern applies regardless of whether the payment is from an Indian entity or a foreign company.
“The outcry over signing a Pakistani player by an Indian-owned franchise is not surprising. Indian franchise owners have largely shunned Pakistani players since the Mumbai attacks in 2008,” Gavaskar wrote.
This raises a pivotal question for franchise owners with Indian ties participating in international leagues: Does the geographical location of the signing truly make a difference if the financial implications remain the same?
This controversy merges the realms of cricket, geopolitics, and finance, leaving SunRisers Leeds at the center of a heated debate.
