Gavaskar Hits Back at IPL Critics, Says World Cricket Still Benefits From India
Sunil Gavaskar defended the IPL and BCCI, saying foreign boards benefit financially from Indian cricket despite ongoing criticism.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly defended the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian Premier League (IPL) amid fresh criticism over franchise cricket’s growing influence on the global game.
The debate has gained momentum in recent weeks after players such as Jofra Archer remained with their IPL teams for the playoffs instead of returning immediately for national commitments. Critics argue that franchise leagues are increasingly taking priority over international cricket.
Responding to those concerns, Gavaskar said criticism of Indian cricket has become routine, even though many overseas boards continue to benefit financially from the IPL.
“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 said.
The batting great described complaints about player availability as unfair and pointed to the financial arrangements between the IPL and foreign cricket boards. According to Gavaskar, boards receive 10 percent of the IPL contracts earned by players from their countries, creating a valuable source of income.
“Cribbing about the IPL and their players not being available for their country is another favorite pastime. Not a word, though, about the 10% their boards get of the fee of every player from their country. It adds up to a cool million plus pounds every year,” he said.
Gavaskar also questioned whether other major T20 leagues offer similar benefits to overseas boards. He noted that competitions such as The Hundred and the Big Bash League do not share player earnings with foreign cricket boards in the same way.
“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’s T20 league give any percentage to the boards of their overseas players? No, sir, again. Only the IPL does.”
Gavaskar concluded by saying that Indian cricket’s position in the sport remains strong despite regular criticism from abroad. He believes the game’s growth in India, driven by its huge fan base and commercial success, will continue to shape world cricket for years to come.
“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.”
