Gavaskar Calls Out Stars Who Exploit Indian Hospitality and Hurt Franchise Planning

As the Indian Premier League 2026 season approaches, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticised overseas players for delaying their arrival, urging franchises to take a stricter stance against such practices.

Gavaskar expressed concern over recurring instances where foreign players withdraw late or join teams well after the tournament begins, disrupting team balance and planning. He suggested that franchises should consider dropping players who fail to honour their commitments on time, warning that such unpredictability can derail a team’s title ambitions.

Taking a sharp tone, Gavaskar said some overseas stars tend to take “Indian hospitality” for granted. He pointed out that franchises often go the extra mile to ensure players’ comfort, including covering expenses for their families, which, according to him, is sometimes misunderstood as an entitlement rather than a gesture.

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The criticism comes amid reports that players like Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins are expected to join their respective teams late this season, largely due to fitness concerns and scheduling issues.

Gavaskar emphasised that unless franchises adopt a firmer approach, they risk undermining their own strategies, as last-minute changes can impact team cohesion. Despite the concerns, he added that the IPL remains a highly anticipated tournament, continuing to captivate fans across the globe.

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