Search

    Language Settings
    Select Website Language

    GDPR Compliance

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

    Sunil Gavaskar Defends SRH Critique; Clarifies 'Hypocrisy' Over Pakistan TV Stint

    1 hour ago

    Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has found himself at the center of a firestorm following his scathing critique of Sunrisers Leeds (owned by SRH's Kavya Maran) for signing Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed. While fans and critics have accused the "Little Master" of double standards for appearing on Pakistani media, Gavaskar has issued a firm clarification regarding his professional boundaries. The controversy ignited after Gavaskar’s recent column in Mid-Day, where he argued that Indian-owned franchises hiring Pakistani players indirectly fund the purchase of "arms and weapons" used against India via national income tax.

    The "Dressing Room" Controversy: Gavaskar’s Defense

    Critics were quick to point out that Gavaskar appeared on a popular show titled The Dressing Room alongside Pakistan legends Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis during the Champions Trophy 2025. Many labeled this as hypocrisy, but Gavaskar has moved to clear the air.

    Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Gavaskar clarified that his appearance was not a commercial venture.

    “I did not ask nor get paid for the show I did in Dubai. Yes, I have been on commentary panels of ICC and ACC. The revenue went to all the participating countries from the ICC and ACC, but not from an Indian entity as far as I know,” Gavaskar told Mumbai Mirror.

    He further distanced himself from the "contributor" tag, stating, “I don’t understand how you can say that I am a contributor since I am not making any payment to any commentator, Indian or any other nationality.”

    "Stop Paying Pakistanis": Gavaskar Doubles Down.

    Despite the backlash, Gavaskar refused to soften his stance on Indian business houses hiring Pakistani talent in global leagues like the CPL, SA20, or The Hundred. He reiterated that any Indian entity, even an overseas subsidiary, paying a Pakistani player is contributing to a cycle that harms Indian lives.

    “If there are Indian owners and they are paying Pakistani players, then hopefully they will stop doing that. All I am praying for is that Indians stop paying Pakistanis. If you have noticed, the reverse has never happened for decades, if ever,” he added.

    The SRH Connection: Abrar Ahmed’s Viral Signing

    The roots of the row trace back to the auction for The Hundred, where Sunrisers Leeds (an extension of the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise) snapped up Abrar Ahmed for £190,000 (approx. ₹2.35 crore).

    Gavaskar questioned the ethics of the move, asking, "Is winning a tournament in a format that no other country plays in much more important than Indian lives?" While head coach Daniel Vettori defended the signing as a purely cricketing decision, Gavaskar insists that Indian owners must have a "better understanding" of the geopolitical dynamic.

     

     

    Click here to Read More
    Previous Article
    'They took bold calls': Pathan's big verdict on PBKS ahead of IPL 2026
    Next Article
    पिता का गाना सुन स्टेज पर रो पड़े अमाल मलिक:पालतू कुत्ते की मौत के बाद टूट गए थे, फादर को 'सबसे सफल फेलियर बताया

    Related Sports Updates:

    Are you sure? You want to delete this comment..! Remove Cancel

    Comments (0)

      Leave a comment