Sunil Gavaskar What has been strongly defended. IPL And BCCI Amid fresh criticism from former players and commentators over the growing influence of franchise cricket on the international calendar.Debate intensified during and after the 2026 IPL season, particularly in England, where concerns were raised about players prioritizing franchise commitments over national obligations. Much was focused on the discussion. Jofra Archerwho stayed together Rajasthan Royals for the IPL play-offs and consequently missed England’s first Test against New Zealand.Jacob Bethel Another player was caught in the middle of an argument earlier in the season. Former England captain after limited opportunities in IPL Alastair Cook He suggested that the youngster would be better off returning to county cricket to prepare for the upcoming Red Ball campaign. Former cricketer Simon Dole and Michael Atherton Archer’s decision to continue in the IPL instead of joining England’s Test squad was also questioned, sparking wider discussions about franchise leagues and Test cricket.Writing in his column for Midday, Gavaskar took exception to what he sees as persistent criticism. Indian cricket and BCCI from abroad. The former Indian captain argued that many of the critics of the IPL ultimately benefited from the commercial power generated by Indian cricket and its vast fan base.Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day, “Indian cricket and BCCI are the same to be beaten.” “But when it comes to revenue, they still have to come to the BCCI because it is Indian cricket and Indian fans that fill their coffers much more than their traditional rivalry.”Gavaskar also pointed to the financial rewards that foreign cricket boards get from IPL contracts involving their players. In his view, critics often ignore these benefits while complaining about players not being available for international duty during tournaments.“Criticizing the IPL and their players not being available for their country is another favorite pastime. Their boards don’t say a word about the 10 per cent fee each player from their country gets,” he added.The batting great further highlighted what he believes to be a unique contribution to global cricket from the IPL, noting that overseas boards receive a share of player earnings from the tournament.“It adds up to a million plus pounds every year. Does The Hundred give any percentage to the boards of their overseas players who play in their tournaments? No sir. Does the BBL or any other country’s T20 leagues give any percentage to their boards of overseas players. No sir again. Only IPL does. Yet the whining about BCCI and Indian cricket continues. Wake up and smell enough people. Indian cricket is here to stay, no matter how you try to bring it down,” he added.Gavaskar’s comments come at a time when there is much debate over the relationship between franchise cricket and the international game. While concerns remain over the workload and availability of players, the former India captain made it clear that he believes the IPL’s contribution to world cricket is often overlooked by its critics.
