Sunil Gavaskar Defends IPL and BCCI Amid Franchise Cricket Criticism

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar (ANI Photo)

Sunil Gavaskar has strongly defended the IPL and the BCCI amid renewed criticism from former players and commentators over the growing influence of franchise cricket on the international calendar. The debate intensified during and after the 2026 IPL season, particularly in England, where concerns were raised about players prioritising franchise commitments over national duty. Much of the discussion focused on Jofra Archer , who remained with Rajasthan Royals for the IPL playoffs and consequently missed England's opening Test against New Zealand. Jacob Bethell was another player caught in the middle of the debate earlier in the season. After limited opportunities in the IPL, former England captain Alastair Cook suggested that the youngster would have been better off returning to county cricket to prepare for the upcoming red-ball campaign. Former cricketers Simon Doull and Michael Atherton also questioned Archer's decision to continue in the IPL instead of joining England's Test squad, reigniting the broader conversation around franchise leagues and Test cricket.

Writing in his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar took exception to what he sees as persistent criticism of Indian cricket and the BCCI from overseas voices. The former India captain argued that many of those criticising the IPL ultimately benefit from the commercial power generated by Indian cricket and its vast fanbase. “Indian cricket and BCCI bashing is par for the course," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day. “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 also pointed to the financial rewards that foreign cricket boards receive from IPL contracts involving their players. In his view, critics often ignore those benefits while continuing to complain about players being unavailable for international duty during the tournament. “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 batting great further highlighted what he believes is a unique contribution made by the IPL to world cricket, noting that overseas boards receive a share of player earnings from the tournament. “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.

Gavaskar's comments come at a time when the relationship between franchise cricket and the international game continues to be heavily debated. While concerns remain over player workload and availability, the former India captain made it clear that he believes the IPL's contribution to global cricket is often overlooked by its critics.