'I Did Not Pay Any Pakistani Commentator': Sunil Gavaskar Rejects Criticism

Sunil Gavaskar defends criticism of Sunrisers Leeds signing Abrar Ahmed, denies hypocrisy over ICC and ACC roles, urges Indians to stop paying Pakistanis.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has denied that he showed hypocrisy and double standards by questioning the Sunrisers Leeds for signing Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred 2026 auction.

In now widely-reported comments, Gavaskar had slammed the franchise, which is owned by the Indian company Sun Group, for indirectly funding the ‘deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians’. The legendary batter believes that the auction price goes to the Pakistani government as tax, which funds anti-India terrorists.

It led to some questions online, with some asking why Gavaskar continued to work in tournaments of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), when those, too, indirectly fund the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and thus the government.

“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. 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," he told Mid-Day.

Some had also questioned why Gavaskar didn’t bring up the issue before, when teams linked to Indian owners were paying Pakistani players in other leagues.

Imad Wasim has played for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, owned by Kolkata Knight Riders. He and Zaman Khan also featured for Seattle Orcas, backed by the GMR Group. Meanwhile, Mohammad Amir and Usman Tariq have represented Trinbago Knight Riders.

“I don’t follow the CPL, ILT20 or SA20, so I am not aware who is playing for whom," he said. “If there are Indian owners paying Pakistani players, then hopefully they will stop doing that," Gavaskar said. “I don’t know about other sports and what they are doing," he added. “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 also refused to accept criticism for participating in a Pakistani show last year, saying he “did not ask nor got paid for the show in Dubai".

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