Sunil Gavaskar Slams Critics of IPL and BCCI

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticized former players and commentators who have been targeting the IPL and the BCCI over the participation of overseas players. Several critics, particularly from England, argued that some international cricketers prioritized the IPL over national commitments. Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer was among those criticized for reportedly choosing IPL playoff matches over England’s Test commitments. Former cricketers such as Alastair Cook, Simon Doull, and Michael Atherton questioned the growing preference for franchise cricket among international players.

Responding through a column in an English newspaper, Gavaskar described such criticism as hypocritical and accused critics of adopting a double-standard approach. He pointed out that while former players complain about cricketers participating in the IPL, they rarely mention the financial benefits their national boards receive from IPL contracts. Gavaskar highlighted that the BCCI shares a percentage of overseas players’ earnings with their respective cricket boards, a practice not followed by leagues such as The Hundred, the Big Bash League, or several other T20 competitions. He asserted that despite repeated criticism, Indian cricket and the IPL continue to grow stronger and remain a major force in world cricket.