‘Cribbing about IPL and overseas players’ availability favorite pastime’ - Sunil Gavaskar hits back at IPL critics

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has come out in strong support of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid fresh criticism surrounding the growing influence of franchise cricket on the international calendar.

The debate gained momentum during and after the 2026 IPL season, particularly in England, where several former players and experts expressed concerns about cricketers prioritising franchise commitments over national duties. The spotlight was largely on England pacer Jofra Archer, who stayed with Rajasthan Royals for the IPL playoffs and subsequently missed England’s opening Test against New Zealand.

Young England batter Jacob Bethell also found himself at the centre of the discussion earlier in the season. Former England captain Alastair Cook had suggested that Bethell would have benefited more from returning to county cricket to prepare for the upcoming red-ball season after receiving limited opportunities in the IPL.

Replying to all these comments made by foreign experts, Gavaskar expressed his frustration with what he believes is a recurring trend of criticism directed towards Indian cricket and the BCCI by overseas commentators and former players.

“Indian cricket and BCCI bashing is par for the course. But when it comes to revenues, they still have to come to the BCCI because it is Indian cricket and Indian fans that fill their coffers much more than even what their traditional rivalry does,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day.

Gavaskar also highlighted the financial gains that foreign cricket boards receive through IPL contracts signed by their players.

“Cribbing about IPL and their players not being available for their country is another favourite pastime. Not a word though about the 10% their Boards get of the fee of every player from their country,” he added.

The former India captain further pointed out that the IPL is unique among major T20 leagues in sharing a percentage of overseas players’ earnings with their respective cricket boards. He contrasted this with competitions such as The Hundred and the Big Bash League (BBL), which do not offer similar arrangements.

“It adds up to a cool million plus pounds every year. Does The Hundred give any percentage to the Boards of their overseas players playing in their tournament? No sir. Does the BBL or any other country T20 leagues give any percentage to the Boards of their overseas players. No sir again. Only the IPL does. Yet the whining and moaning about BCCI and Indian cricket just goes on and on. Wake up and smell the coffee guys. Indian cricket is here to stay, no matter how you try to pull it down,” he added.

Meanwhile, former England captain Kevin Pietersen had backed players like Jacob Bethell to participate in the leagues like IPL, as the league offers exposure like no other league.