Gavaskar Questions Overseas Stars’ Fitness, Urges BCCI to Enforce IPL Accountability

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has launched a scathing critique of overseas players in the Indian Premier League (IPL), questioning both their commitment and fitness claims. In a column for Sportstar, Gavaskar expressed frustration over foreign stars who have delayed starts due to injury concerns, singling out players like Mitchell Starc and Matheesha Pathirana. He argued that franchises and fans deserve full dedication from players, especially given the significant financial stakes involved.

Gavaskar highlighted the workload of bowlers, pointing out that delivering four overs per match cannot be considered “demanding” for professional athletes. “If they have bowled a similar number of deliveries in practice without issue, what is stopping them from doing so in the game?” he wrote. He questioned the justification of workload management, stressing that the IPL season is comparatively short, with just 14 league games and a few playoff matches.

The cricketing legend also criticised franchises’ reliance on prior information about player availability. “Playing for the country is paramount and comes before franchise cricket, but don't the franchises – who open not just their wallets but also their hearts to players and their families – deserve full commitment?” Gavaskar asked. He emphasised that overseas players must demonstrate accountability to their IPL teams, given the high expectations and investments involved.

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Gavaskar did not spare cricket boards either, pointing out the financial benefits foreign boards derive from the IPL. “The IPL has been a cash cow not just for overseas players but for their Boards too,” he wrote. According to Gavaskar, boards often receive up to 10% of a player’s IPL fee, a practice he noted is unique to India and absent in other global T20 leagues like The Hundred.

Concluding his argument, Gavaskar urged stricter measures to ensure overseas players’ full participation. He called for transparency and accountability from both players and boards, warning that selective commitment undermines the integrity of the league. For Gavaskar, the IPL is not just a tournament but a platform where professionalism and dedication must match the financial and emotional investment of franchises and fans alike.

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