A cross-border signing in The Hundred has quickly escalated into a wider flashpoint, drawing in one of the IPL’s founders. Lalit Modi has publicly reached out to Sunrisers leadership after the franchise’s decision to sign Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed triggered intense scrutiny.
The former IPL Chairman inserted himself into the debate with a direct message aimed at Kavya Maran, Executive Director of Sun TV Network and a key figure behind the Sunrisers setup, posting on X as the controversy gathered momentum.
Controversy over #players has hit @thehundred with the @sunrisersleeds pic.twitter.com/xBgnmwcgf4
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) March 16, 2026
Lalit Modi steps in with direct message to Sunrisers leadership
As criticism mounted, Modi used social media to position himself as a voice of experience in managing high-profile situations. Sharing his perspective on the decision, he wrote: “Investing ₹2.34 crore on a Pakistani player when the fans are already on edge? I know a thing or two about managing optics and building empires. Call me.”
The intervention adds another dimension to an already sensitive situation, with Modi framing the issue not just as a cricketing decision, but one tied to perception, fan sentiment and brand management.
Abrar Ahmed deal sparks backlash across Indian cricket circles
The controversy stems from Sunrisers Leeds securing Abrar Ahmed at The Hundred 2026 auction for £190,000 (approx. US$ 255K). The move has drawn strong reactions, particularly given the long-standing absence of Pakistan players in Indian-run cricket ecosystems.
This signing is notable as the first instance of an IPL-linked franchise acquiring a Pakistan player in The Hundred, marking a potential shift in approach that has not gone unnoticed.
The debate has been amplified by the broader political context, with India-Pakistan cricketing ties largely restricted to global tournaments for more than a decade.
ECB reinforces non-discrimination stance amid scrutiny
The England and Wales Cricket Board had already addressed the issue prior to the auction, communicating expectations to franchises around fair selection practices. While franchises retain autonomy over recruitment, the governing body made it clear that decisions must align with anti-discrimination standards.
This came amid reports that IPL-affiliated teams participating in The Hundred could hesitate in signing Pakistan players, prompting the ECB to reiterate its regulatory position.
Abrar was one of two Pakistan players picked in the auction, alongside Usman Tariq.
Gavaskar raises concerns over financial and ethical implications
Among the most prominent critics has been Sunil Gavaskar, who framed the issue within a broader geopolitical and ethical lens in his Mid-Day column.
“The furore created by the acquisition of a Pakistani player by the Indian owner of a franchise in The Hundred is hardly surprising. Ever since the Mumbai attacks in November 2008, Indian franchise owners have simply ignored Pakistani players for the IPL,” Gavaskar wrote.
Expanding on his argument, he pointed to the potential downstream impact of such financial transactions. “Although belated, the realisation that the fees that they pay to a Pakistani player, who then pays income tax to his government which buys arms and weapons, indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians is making Indian entities refrain from even considering having Pakistani artistes and sportspersons. Whether it is an Indian entity or an overseas subsidiary of the entity that is making the payment, if the owner is Indian then he or she is contributing to the Indian casualties. It’s as simple as that,” he added.
A decision at the intersection of cricket, business and geopolitics
What began as a squad-building move has evolved into a broader debate around ownership responsibility, global league participation and political context. For Sunrisers Leeds and its leadership, the decision now sits under intense scrutiny from fans, commentators and industry voices alike.
With figures like Modi entering the conversation and senior voices like Gavaskar raising concerns, the Abrar Ahmed signing has become a defining moment in how cricket’s expanding global ecosystem intersects with national sentiment and commercial strategy.
