Former India batter Sunil Gavaskar has launched a scathing attack on overseas players participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL), questioning their commitment to the tournament. In an article for Sportstar, Gavaskar expressed his frustration with the frequent injuries and unavailability of some of the sport’s biggest stars, urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take a firmer stance on the issue.

In his article, Gavaskar pointed out that the IPL is a relatively short competition, lasting just over two months. During this time, bowlers are expected to deliver a maximum of four overs per game, with a total of 56 overs for the entire season. He argued that this workload is not excessively demanding, especially for cricketers who have been built to withstand the rigors of international cricket.

However, Gavaskar’s remarks come at a time when several teams are struggling with depleted bowling lineups. Kolkata Knight Riders, in particular, are reeling from the injury woes of Australian fast bowler Cameron Green. Despite being informed of the issue by Cricket Australia, Gavaskar felt that the situation was unacceptable. He highlighted that both KKR and Sunrisers Hyderabad are suffering due to the absence of key foreign players, including Pat Cummins.

Gavaskar also criticized the financial arrangements surrounding the IPL, pointing out that foreign boards receive a significant percentage of players’ auction fees. He questioned the fairness of this practice, arguing that players owe a greater sense of accountability to the franchises that have invested heavily in their services.

To illustrate his point, Gavaskar cited data on the combined value of players representing different boards in the IPL. According to his calculations, the Australian board earns Rs. 121.65 crore from its 16 players, while the South African board earns Rs. 77 crore from its 17 players. In comparison, England earns Rs. 68 crore from its 12 players, while West Indies earns Rs. 69 crore.

Gavaskar called on the BCCI to enforce stricter rules on players who fail to commit fully to their franchises. He urged the governing body to take a more proactive approach in addressing the issue of absenteeism, pointing out that the IPL’s financial arrangements offer a significant incentive for players to prioritize their franchise commitments over their international obligations.