Anisotropic extension of Finch and Skea stellar model

In this paper, the spacetime geometry of Finch and Skea [Class. Quantum Grav., 6 (1989) 467] has been utilized to obtain closed-form solutions for a spherically symmetric anisotropic matter distribution. By examining its physical admissibility, it has been shown that the class of solutions can be used as viable models for observed pulsars. In particular, a specific class of solutions can be used as an `anisotropic switch' to examine the impact of anisotropy on the gross physical properties of a stellar configuration. Accordingly, the mass-radius relationship has been analyzed.