Abrar Ahmed’s Hundred League signing sparks outrage among Indian cricket fans
The controversy stems from the fact that the franchise involved, reportedly associated with Kavya Maran, acquired Abrar Ahmed for its sister team in the UK-based league.
Mumbai: The recent player auction of The Hundred has triggered a major controversy after Abrar Ahmed, a Pakistan cricketer, was picked by a franchise linked to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Indian cricket fans, many of whom have expressed anger on social media and even threatened to boycott IPL 2026.
The controversy stems from the fact that the franchise involved, reportedly associated with Kavya Maran, acquired Abrar Ahmed for its sister team in the UK-based league. The decision has not gone down well with sections of Indian fans, given the long-standing unofficial ban on Pakistan players in Indian franchise leagues following the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Reacting to the backlash, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said the anger among Indian fans was “understandable.” He pointed out that since 2008, Pakistan players have largely been excluded not only from the Indian Premier League but also from other leagues involving Indian franchise owners.
Gavaskar, in his remarks, raised concerns about the broader implications of such signings. He suggested that financial transactions involving players could indirectly benefit systems that may not align with India’s national sentiment, making the issue more sensitive than just a sporting decision.
Meanwhile, officials associated with the franchise defended their choice, stating that the selection was purely based on cricketing merit. Head coach Daniel Vettori explained that the team had initially aimed to sign another player but opted for Abrar Ahmed after alternative options were unavailable. He also confirmed that another Pakistan player, Usman Tariq, had been signed during the auction.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which organises The Hundred, had earlier emphasised that player selection should be based on talent rather than nationality. However, the issue has once again highlighted the complex intersection of sports and geopolitics.
The debate continues to intensify, with opinions divided between those advocating for keeping politics out of sports and others insisting that national sentiment cannot be ignored. As discussions grow louder, the incident underscores how cricket decisions can quickly turn into larger national conversations.
