Gavaskar Hits Out at SRH Over Pakistani Signings, Mentions Indian Soldiers’ Deaths

Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticized SunRisers Leeds for signing Pakistani players, arguing that payments to them indirectly support the Pakistani government, which he claims could use those funds for military purposes.

He says this financial link makes Indian-owned franchises partially responsible for the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians. Gavaskar noted that Indian franchise owners have avoided Pakistani players in the IPL since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, citing public sentiment and national responsibility.

“Whether it is an Indian entity or its overseas subsidiary making the payment, if the owner is Indian, they are contributing to Indian casualties. It’s as simple as that,” he wrote. He acknowledged that coach Daniel Vettori, a New Zealander, may not fully understand the issue, but emphasized that the responsibility lies with the Indian ownership.

“Is winning a tournament in a format no other country plays more important than Indian lives?” Gavaskar asked.

ECB’s Warning on Fair Selection

Before the auction, the England and Wales Cricket Board reminded franchises linked to the IPL about fair selection and anti-discrimination policies. While they cannot dictate who teams sign, the ECB warned that any violations could be referred to the independent Cricket Regulator and potentially result in sanctions.

The move reflects the ongoing influence of political tensions between India and Pakistan on franchise decisions, even in leagues outside India like The Hundred.

The Auction and Backlash

On March 12, SunRisers Leeds signed Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed for GBP 190,000 (≈ ₹2.34 crore), outbidding Trent Rockets. The franchise, owned by India’s Sun Group under Kalanithi Maran, was represented at the auction by CEO Kavya Maran and coach Daniel Vettori. England T20I skipper Harry Brook will captain the side.

The signing triggered backlash in India, with many fans calling for a boycott of the SunRisers brand, marking the first time in years that an IPL-linked franchise actively recruited a Pakistani international.

IPL Ownership and Influence

Four of the eight franchises in The Hundred—Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and SunRisers Leeds—are at least partially owned by IPL-linked entities. Gavaskar sees the decision as more than a cricketing matter: for him, it’s a question of conscience, where the owners failed to weigh national sentiment against sporting ambition.