Sunil Gavaskar says Abrar Ahmed signing 'contributes to deaths of Indians'

Sunil Gavaskar played 125 Tests for India between 1971 and 1986

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said Sunrisers Leeds' signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed "indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians".

Gavaskar's comments are the most high-profile criticism of Sunrisers' deal for Abrar at last week's Hundred auction.

Leeds are owned by the Sun Group, also owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL). IPL teams have not been permitted to sign Pakistan players since 2009 because of ongoing political tensions between the two countries.

In securing Abrar at the auction, Sunrisers allayed fears that the four Hundred franchises affiliated to IPL teams would avoid signing Pakistan players.