Lalit Modi to Sunrisers Hyderabad group: ‘I know a thing or two about managing optics’

Former Lalit Modi has weighed in on the row over SunRisers Leeds signing Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred, even offering to help the franchise manage the backlash.

“Spending ₹2.34 crore on a Pakistani player when fans are already on edge? I know a thing or two about managing optics and building an empire. Call me,” Modi said in a video posted on X. The move has sparked strong reactions in India, with the franchise—part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad group led by Kavya Maran—coming under fire from several quarters.

ECB issues reminder

Ahead of the draft, the England and Wales Cricket Board wrote to all eight teams, stressing compliance with fair selection and anti-discrimination norms.

The reminder followed reports that IPL-linked sides—Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and SunRisers Leeds—could be reluctant to pick Pakistani players. With over 60 Pakistan cricketers in the 2026 draft pool, the situation drew scrutiny. The ECB clarified it won’t dictate selections but expects teams to stay within regulatory lines.

Sunil Gavaskar voices concerns

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has been among the strongest critics, framing the issue beyond cricket.

In his column, Gavaskar argued that payments made to Pakistani players ultimately reach the state through taxes, which, he claimed, could be used for military purposes. He noted that this concern applies regardless of whether the contract is signed by an Indian entity or an overseas arm.

“The furore over signing a Pakistani player is hardly surprising. Since the Mumbai attacks in November 2008, IPL franchises have simply ignored Pakistani players,” he wrote.

Debate widens

The controversy raises a larger question for Indian-linked franchises abroad: if the financial flow remains the same, does the location of the deal change anything?

For now, SunRisers Leeds finds itself at the centre of a debate that goes beyond cricket—touching on geopolitics, business and public sentiment.