Kavya Maran faces backlash and boycott calls after signing Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred

Kavya Maran faces backlash and boycott calls after signing Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred

By Nawaz Gohar : Kavya Maran, the Co-Owner and CEO of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad, is facing intense scrutiny and demands to reverse her decision to sign Pakistani cricketer Abrar Ahmed for “The Hundred” league.

On March 12, during The Hundred draft in London, Maran acquired the Pakistani spinner for £190,000 (approximately 71.2 million Pakistani Rupees) for her team.

Following this, the franchise faced a massive backlash on Indian social media, with some users calling for a boycott of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Furthermore, the X (formerly Twitter) account of the franchise’s team, Sunrisers Leeds, was suspended following the signing.

Kavya Maran has gained significant popularity among cricket fans in recent years. Her presence during IPL auctions and matches has established her as a prominent figure in the league’s business operations.

Born on August 6, 1992, in Chennai, Kavya belongs to the influential Maran family, which holds a high standing in both business and politics. Her father, Kalanithi Maran, is the Chairman and Managing Director of the Sun Group,

one of India’s largest media conglomerates. According to Forbes, Kalanithi Maran’s net worth is estimated at $2.3 billion. Her mother, Kavery Maran, serves as the CEO of Sun TV Network and is ranked among India’s highest-paid female executives.

Kavya graduated from Stella Maris College in Chennai and later earned an MBA from Warwick Business School in the UK. Her business education has reportedly been instrumental in her management of company affairs.

Kavya took over as CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018 at the age of 26. Since then, she has played an active role in key team decisions, IPL auctions, player acquisitions, contracts, and administrative matters. Sun TV Network acquired the franchise in 2012 for 85.05 crore Indian Rupees annually following the dissolution of the “Deccan Chargers.”

While the exact details of her personal shares are not public, her role in the team’s administration is considered pivotal. Reports estimate Kavya’s personal wealth between 400 to 409 crore Indian Rupees, while the Maran family’s collective wealth is approximately 19,000 crore Rupees. She has also invested in other cricket leagues, including Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

Known for her deep interest in cricket, Kavya is often seen cheering for her team in the stadium. Despite her fame, she keeps her private life away from the media spotlight; there is no official confirmation regarding her relationships or marriage. While she does not have a verified Instagram account, she frequently appears on Sunrisers Hyderabad’s official social media platforms.