Overview:
Gavaskar also defended Jay Shah regarding the scheduling of India-Pakistan matches in recent ACC and ICC events, stressing that fixture decisions are made by the governing bodies, not by any individual.
Sunil Gavaskar has once again voiced his disapproval of Sunrisers Hyderabad following the purchase of Pakistani bowler Abrar Ahmed by their sister franchise, Sunrisers Leeds, for £190,000 (Rs. 2.37 crores approx.) in The Hundred tournament.
The move surprised many, as media reports in the UK had suggested that the four franchises owned by Indian Premier League teams would avoid selecting Pakistani players due to an informal restriction on Indian owners acquiring talent from their neighboring country.
Abrar’s acquisition prompted strong reactions against Sunrisers Hyderabad, their parent company Sun Television Network, and CEO Kavya Maran. Gavaskar was among the most outspoken, arguing that the signing indirectly benefits Pakistan because the player pays taxes to their government.
However, his remarks drew criticism as well. Many pointed out that Gavaskar has previously worked alongside former Pakistani players in commentary roles, and fans recalled his appearance on the Pakistani television show The Dressing Room during the 2025 Champions Trophy alongside Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram.
“Yes, I’ve been part of commentary panels for ICC and ACC events. The revenue from these shows goes to all participating countries, but not from any Indian organisation, as far as I know. I don’t see how I can be called a contributor since I’m not paying any commentator, Indian or otherwise. I neither requested payment nor received any for the show I did in Dubai,” Gavaskar told Mumbai Mirror.
“I don’t follow leagues like the CPL, ILT20, or SA20, so I’m not aware of which players are representing which teams. However, if Indian owners are paying Pakistani players, I hope that stops. I’m not sure about other sports, but my only hope is that the Indians stop paying Pakistanis. As far as I know, the reverse has never happened in decades, if at all,” Gavaskar added.
Gavaskar also defended Jay Shah regarding the scheduling of India-Pakistan matches in recent ACC and ICC events, stressing that fixture decisions are made by the governing bodies, not by any individual.
“Jay Shah is just the ICC chairman. India and Pakistan have been competing for decades, long before he assumed the role. To suggest he is responsible for the current fixtures is completely wrong. The scheduling is handled by the ICC, not him, and it is the ICC and ACC that distribute revenues to the PCB,” Gavaskar concluded.