In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan's veteran fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has been released from England's county team Hampshire, sparking rumors of political influence from an IPL franchise owner. The buzz? That Delhi Capitals' owner GMR Group, which acquired Hampshire in a historic deal last year, may have played a role in his exit. But how true is that?

The Controversy: IPL Owner Behind Abbas’s Exit?

The speculation stems from GMR Group’s acquisition of Hampshire Sport and Leisure Holdings Ltd. for nearly ₹500 crore ($43 million). This marked the first time a foreign group took control of an English county cricket club, making headlines in both India and England.

Soon after the acquisition, Abbas was dropped — fueling allegations that his nationality played a role in the decision. But Abbas has now come forward to set the record straight.

Mohammad Abbas Clears the Air

In a candid statement, Abbas dismissed the rumors linking his release to the Indian owners. He said:

“No, the Indian owner was not behind Hampshire releasing me. James Vince had retired from four-day cricket, and they needed a batsman as an overseas player. We had a good conversation, and they are good people. They still message me, and I respond too.”

Abbas emphasized that his removal was purely a strategic team decision, not politically driven.

Abbas’s Impressive Record

Despite limited opportunities at the international level, Abbas has delivered solid performances:

• 27 Tests for Pakistan, with 100 wickets at an average of 23.18
• First-class cricket: A remarkable 780 wickets in 193 matches at an average of 20.54

Yet, at 35, opportunities are becoming scarce — making county cricket a key platform for him.

The GMR-Hampshire Deal: A Game-Changer

Last year’s acquisition by the GMR Group was historic for county cricket. The deal included both Hampshire Cricket and the Utilita Bowl Stadium, giving an IPL franchise owner significant influence in English domestic cricket — a first in the sport’s history.

This development sparked debates around the potential impact on player selection, especially for Pakistani players, given the tense India-Pakistan cricket dynamics. However, Abbas's statement puts at least this particular rumor to rest.

Bottom Line

Mohammad Abbas’s exit from Hampshire may have raised eyebrows, but his own clarification dispels the theory that IPL politics were at play. The world of cricket is changing, with IPL owners now entering global arenas — but as of now, there's no evidence that those changes are affecting player selections based on nationality.