Hyderabad : Kavya Maran, owner of the Indian Premier League franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad, is facing criticism after a player signing by her team in The Hundred cricket league.
The franchise Sunrisers Leeds, in which Maran is a co-owner, bought Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, 27, during the men's tournament auction held in London on Thursday.
Hundred auction purchase triggers online backlash
Sunrisers Leeds secured Abrar Ahmed for ₹2.34 crore after competing with the Trent Rockets during the auction.
Soon after the signing, social media users criticised the franchise's management, citing the spinner's earlier online behaviour during Operation Sindoor, the Indian military operation against Pakistan in May last year.
Post recalling Abhinandan incident resurfaces
At the time, Abrar posted a photograph of himself drinking tea on social media with the caption "Amazing tea".
Users said the post appeared to mock the 2019 incident involving Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan and photographed drinking tea while in custody. The image had earlier circulated widely on social media in Pakistan.
Separately, Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq was bought by the Birmingham Phoenix franchise in the same auction.