The England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) directive for players to return home for national duty from the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the T20 World Cup has sparked a heated debate. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has called for decisive action from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL franchises against players and their respective cricket boards for withdrawing from the IPL midway through the season.
Gavaskar emphasized the need for repercussions against players and their cricket boards for breaching their commitments. He urged IPL franchises to deduct a substantial portion of the players’ salaries, citing the financial repercussions faced by the franchises due to their sudden exit.
“I am all for players choosing country before anything else, but having assured various franchises about their availability for the full season, if they pull out now, it will be letting down the franchises,” Gavaskar stated. “The franchises should not only be allowed to deduct a substantial amount from the fee that the player was bought for, but also not give the Board, to which the player belongs, the stated 10 per cent commission of the fee that each player gets.”
Gavaskar also highlighted the disparity in treatment between the IPL and other T20 leagues worldwide, particularly regarding the 10 per cent commission paid to cricket boards for players’ participation in the tournament.
“If the Board has gone back on its assurance they need to be penalized too. This 10 per cent commission to the Boards happens only in the IPL and nowhere else. Does the BCCI get any thanks for its generosity? No way,” Gavaskar emphasized.
The controversy surrounding England players’ IPL exit underscores the complexities of balancing international and franchise cricket commitments. As discussions between the ECB and BCCI continue, stakeholders await clarity on the way forward.
