Sunil Gavaskar Critiques IPL Critics for Hypocrisy
Gavaskar Calls Out Double Standards in IPL Criticism
Sunil Gavaskar, the former captain of India and a cricketing icon, has criticized the hypocrisy of those who frequently attack the Indian Premier League (IPL) while benefiting from its financial success. He pointed out that many cricket boards rely on the economic advantages provided by the IPL.
Recently, England players Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell faced backlash for prioritizing their IPL commitments over domestic cricket. Archer's decision to stay in India for the IPL 2026 playoffs led to his exclusion from England's first Test against New Zealand at Lord's.
Conversely, Bethell was scrutinized for not participating enough in the franchise league, which some believed hindered his preparation for the County Championship's red-ball format. Despite playing in the series opener against New Zealand, he remained a topic of discussion among analysts concerned about his readiness for the Test matches.
Gavaskar's Strong Defense of IPL
In a recent column, Gavaskar expressed his frustration over the ongoing criticism directed at the IPL, labeling it as hypocritical. He emphasized that while external boards lament the loss of players to the IPL, they conveniently overlook the significant financial support they receive from the BCCI.
"Criticism of Indian cricket and the BCCI is commonplace. However, when it comes to revenue, these boards still rely on the BCCI, as it is Indian cricket and its fans that contribute significantly to their finances, often more than their traditional rivals," Gavaskar stated.
He further noted, "Complaining about the IPL and player availability is a common pastime, yet there is no mention of the 10% fee that their boards receive for every player from their country."
Financial Benefits of IPL for Overseas Boards
Gavaskar highlighted that the BCCI is unique in sharing a considerable portion of its league's revenue with the home boards of overseas players. According to him, the IPL generates over a million pounds annually for these boards.
Both the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia have reaped the benefits of this financial model, which provides a consistent income stream that supports their grassroots initiatives and domestic cricket structures.
The Enduring Legacy of Indian Cricket
Reinforcing the global impact of Indian cricket, particularly through the IPL, Gavaskar dismissed attempts to undermine its legacy. He pointed out that leagues like The Hundred and BBL do not offer any financial returns to the boards of overseas players.
"The IPL contributes over a million pounds each year. Do The Hundred or BBL provide any percentage to the boards of their overseas players? No, they do not. Only the IPL does," he asserted.
He concluded with a strong message: "Despite the ongoing criticism of the BCCI and Indian cricket, it is here to stay, regardless of the attempts to undermine it."
The IPL's Market Value
The Indian Premier League is recognized as the second-most valuable sports league globally in terms of per-match value, trailing only behind the National Football League in the USA. As of 2026, the league boasts a market value of approximately $18.5 billion, reinforcing its status as a commercial powerhouse, fueled by its vast audience, lucrative media rights, and an expanding ecosystem.