NEW DELHI: Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has made a strong statement about foreign cricketers who only play parts of the IPL season. Every year, the cash-rich league sees several overseas players miss matches or leave mid-season, often prioritising other commitments over the tournament.
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Full commitment is essential
Writing in his Mid-Day column, Gavaskar said players who do not commit to the entire tournament are showing a lack of respect for the IPL.
“There are some players who have made themselves available for a limited period. Frankly, if a player doesn’t show respect to the IPL and make himself available for the full tournament, he shouldn’t even be in the auction,” he wrote.
Gavaskar added that even national commitments do not justify missing parts of the league.
“If something other than a national commitment is more important to him, then not one second of the auction should be wasted on him. The IPL is the best T20 league in the world and anybody taking it lightly should not be considered at all,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season
Gavaskar’s remarks come ahead of the IPL mini auction for the 2026 season on December 16. Teams will be watching player availability closely and the emphasis on full-season commitment has never been clearer for those aiming to be part of the world’s premier T20 competition.
