India, March 16 -- Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar feels the backlash received by the Sunrisers Leeds for signing Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed at The Hundred auction is understandable, given the recent history between the two countries. The Sunrisers Leeds, co-owned by Kavya Maran, signed Abrar for £190,000, roughly Rs.2.3 crore. However, the decision was met with severe hatred on social media, with questions raised over SRL for picking a Pakistan player despite all that happened in Pahalgam last year.

For Gavaskar, the strong reaction comes along expected lines, with the legendary cricketer reminding people of Pakistan's troubled history with India. Pakistan cricketers were suspended from the Indian Premier League after the dea...