‘Making Millionaires Out Of Ordinary Overseas Stars’: Sunil Gavaskar’s Explosive IPL Warning Leaves BCCI With Tough Questions

Sunil Gavaskar Raises Tough Questions Over Overseas Players In IPL

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has sparked a major debate over the commitment of overseas players in the Indian Premier League (IPL), urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to adopt a tougher stance against players who leave the tournament midway without genuine reasons.

In his latest remarks, Gavaskar expressed concern over a growing pattern where foreign cricketers enter the IPL auction, secure lucrative contracts, but fail to honour their full commitments to franchises.

The legendary batter believes the system is being misused — and it’s hurting teams badly.

‘Feigning Injuries’ To Exit Midway?

Without naming any player directly, Gavaskar accused some overseas stars of pretending to be injured after realising they were not getting regular opportunities in the playing XI.

According to him, several players return home citing injuries, only to be seen playing domestic cricket in their own countries while the IPL is still underway.

He called this unfair and disrespectful to franchises that invest heavily in these players.

Gavaskar insisted such behaviour should not go unpunished, especially when replacement options become limited during the latter stages of the tournament.

BCCI’s Two-Year Ban Rule Gets Backing

The cricket icon backed the BCCI’s recently introduced two-year ban policy for players who withdraw after being bought in the auction without valid injury concerns.

He described it as a “good move” but stressed that the rule should go further and cover players who leave mid-season under questionable circumstances.

According to Gavaskar, stricter regulations are needed to protect franchises from last-minute disruptions.

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Boards Also Under Scanner

One of Gavaskar’s sharpest observations was directed not just at players, but also at foreign cricket boards.

He pointed out that international boards receive 10 percent commission from player contracts, making them financial beneficiaries of the IPL ecosystem.

Because of this, Gavaskar argued that those boards should also be held accountable when their players fail to complete the tournament.

He suggested that player payments — and even the boards’ commissions — should be reduced based on the number of matches missed.

‘IPL Makes Millionaires Out Of Ordinary Players’

Perhaps Gavaskar’s strongest statement came when he said the IPL has transformed many “ordinary overseas players” into millionaires.

His point was clear — the tournament offers enormous opportunities and financial rewards, and in return, players should show full professionalism and commitment.

He warned against treating the IPL as just another T20 league, emphasizing that it remains the biggest and most competitive franchise tournament in world cricket.

A Bigger Debate For The Future

Gavaskar’s comments are likely to reopen discussions around player accountability, workload management, and franchise rights.

With availability issues becoming more common in recent seasons, the BCCI may now face pressure to tighten rules even further.

For franchises spending crores to build squads, consistency and commitment remain crucial.

And as Gavaskar’s sharp warning suggests, the IPL may soon have to draw a firmer line between opportunity and obligation.