Overview:
Abrar Ahmed was signed for INR 2.34 Crore, but the decision triggered backlash in India. The ECB had warned the franchises to refrain from ignoring Pakistan players in the auction, as strict rules are in place against discrimination in England.
Sunrisers Leeds recently signed Abrar Ahmed for the upcoming season of The Hundred. However, the move has led to controversy as the Indian business group has invested in a Pakistani player for the first player since 2008. The Leeds are owned by the owners of the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.
Former India player Sunil Gavaskar warned the SRH of consequences for adding a Pakistan spinner to the squad. His remarks miffed the Pakistan-born cricketer Azeem Rafiq.
Rafiq called Gavaskar’s comments ridiculous and vile while questioning the stance of the Indian great in other contexts.
“This is absolutely ridiculous and should be condemned. How are these comments acceptable? I don’t care how many runs you have scored. Has Gavaskar boycotted commentating in any of the fixtures? Guess not,” he wrote.
Earlier, Gavaskar said payments to Pakistan players are indirectly used to target the Indian Armed Forces and Civilians. Gavaskar mentioned whether winning a tournament is more important than lives.
He highlighted the fact that Sunrisers Leeds head coach Daniel Vettori is from New Zealand, and he is not aware of the issues between the two countries.
Abrar Ahmed was signed for INR 2.34 Crore, but the decision triggered backlash in India. The ECB had warned the franchises to refrain from ignoring Pakistan players in the auction, as strict rules are in place against discrimination in England.
Who is Azeem Rafiq?
Azeem Rafiq was born in Pakistan but he shifted to England and represented the Three Lions in the Under-19 cricket. He led Yorkshire in 2012. Rafiq also exposed racism at Yorkshire, revealing that he was abused because of his Pakistani heritage.