Indian-owned Sunrisers face backlash after signing Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed
Al Jazeera
Post announcing Abrar’s signing was met with thousands angrily questioning patriotism of the Indian owners.
Sunrisers Leeds have faced a fierce social media backlash after the Indian-owned Hundred franchise signed Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed this week.
A longstanding political standoff between India and Pakistan means the two nations only play each other in major global cricket tournaments.
Cricketers from Pakistan have not featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2009 because of the deep-seated diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
There was speculation that the Pakistan players involved in this week’s inaugural Hundred auction in London would be subject to a “shadow ban”, with the IPL-affiliated teams refusing to bid for them.
Four of the franchises – MI London, Manchester Super Giants, Sunrisers Leeds and Southern Brave – are at least part-owned by companies that control IPL teams.
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