Defending the Global Powerhouse

Sunil Gavaskar has launched a scathing defense of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), responding to renewed criticism regarding the growing dominance of franchise cricket over the international calendar.

The debate has reached a fever pitch following the 2026 IPL season, particularly in England. Concerns were raised after players like Jofra Archer prioritized IPL playoff commitments with the Rajasthan Royals over England's opening Test against New Zealand. Other figures, including former England captain Alastair Cook, Simon Doull, and Michael Atherton, have questioned the impact of these decisions on red-ball cricket and national readiness.

'BCCI Bashing is Par for the Course'

Writing in his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar expressed frustration with the persistent criticism of Indian cricket from overseas voices, suggesting that those complaining are often the same ones benefiting from the commercial success of the game in India.

“Indian cricket and BCCI bashing is par for the course," Gavaskar wrote. “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."

The Financial Reality

Gavaskar pointed out a critical detail often ignored by critics: the IPL's unique financial contribution to other national boards. Unlike other T20 leagues such as The Hundred or the Big Bash League (BBL), the IPL provides a percentage of player fees back to the players' home boards.

“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," Gavaskar noted, adding that this amounts to over a million pounds annually for some boards.

Final Verdict

The batting legend concluded his argument by urging critics to accept the current reality of the sporting landscape. “Wake up and smell the coffee guys. Indian cricket is here to stay, no matter how you try to pull it down," he stated.

As the tension between franchise commitments and international duty continues to grow, Gavaskar's comments highlight a deep divide between the traditionalists of Test cricket and the commercial reality of the modern T20 era.