Gavaskar Critiques Overseas Players for Lack of Commitment Despite IPL’s Crore-Plus Payouts
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has ignited a significant discussion in the IPL 2026 season, calling on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take action against players who fail to fulfill their roles. His comments were particularly directed at Kolkata Knight Riders’ all-rounder Cameron Green, who has not bowled due to concerns over his workload. In a column for Sportstar, Gavaskar criticized the trend of all-rounders participating solely as batsmen, emphasizing that if players are not fit to perform their complete roles, they should withdraw from the tournament.
Gavaskar’s Critique of Workload Management
In his column, Gavaskar expressed his frustration with the increasing number of all-rounders who are not contributing with the ball. He questioned the rationale behind players being selected for their dual skills yet only participating as batsmen. “A bowler can bowl only four overs in a match… what is stopping them from doing so in the game?” he asked, challenging the narrative surrounding workload management. His remarks come in light of the ongoing struggles faced by teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, who have been hampered by key players being unavailable to bowl.
The former Indian captain also made it clear that players who are not fully fit should consider stepping aside before the tournament begins. He stated, “It is only fair that a player not fit from day one should withdraw and give the franchise the chance to pick someone else.” Gavaskar dismissed the notion that franchises were adequately informed about players’ fitness levels, arguing that such excuses lack credibility. His comments were further fueled by Ajinkya Rahane’s remarks regarding Cameron Green’s bowling situation, which prompted a clarification from Cricket Australia confirming that the franchise had been informed in advance.
BCCI’s Role in Ensuring Player Commitment
Gavaskar suggested that the BCCI should take a more active role in addressing the issue of player availability. He proposed that the board might need to implement stricter regulations for players who are not available from the start of the tournament. He drew attention to the existing penalties for overseas players who withdraw after being auctioned, advocating for similar measures to ensure that franchises receive full commitment from their players. “Don’t the franchises… deserve full commitment?” he questioned, highlighting the significant financial and emotional investments made by teams in their players.
The call for BCCI intervention reflects a growing concern within the cricketing community regarding the integrity of the league and the expectations placed on players. Gavaskar’s comments resonate with many who believe that accountability is essential for maintaining the competitive spirit of the IPL.
Financial Implications for Cricket Boards
In addition to his critique of player performance, Gavaskar revealed that the IPL has become a lucrative venture not only for the players but also for their respective cricket boards. He noted that boards receive approximately 10% of a player’s auction fee as part of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) process. This financial arrangement has proven to be a substantial revenue stream for various cricket boards.
Gavaskar provided specific figures to illustrate the scale of earnings from the IPL. He mentioned that in recent seasons, 16 Australian players have been signed for a total of Rs 121.65 crore, while 12 English players have garnered Rs 68 crore. New Zealand’s 12 players have collectively earned over Rs 33 crore, South Africa’s 17 players around Rs 71 crore, and eight West Indies players close to Rs 59 crore. These figures highlight the significant financial benefits that the IPL brings to cricket boards worldwide.
What sets this arrangement apart is its uniqueness; no other T20 league globally shares player auction revenues with cricket boards in this manner. This financial model underscores the IPL’s impact on the global cricketing landscape, further emphasizing the need for accountability and commitment from players participating in the tournament.
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