‘The whining and moaning just goes on’: Sunil Gavaskar hits back at IPL critics

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar (ANI Photo) Sunil Gavaskar has strongly defended the IPL and the BCCI amid fresh criticism from former players and commentators over franchise cricket’s growing influence on the international calendar.The debate intensified during and after the 2026 IPL season, particularly in England, where there were concerns about players prioritizing franchise commitments over national duties. Much of the discussion has focused on Jofra Archer, who stayed with Rajasthan Royals for the IPL play-offs and subsequently missed England’s opening Test against New Zealand.Jacob Bethell was another player caught in the middle of the early season debate. After limited opportunities in the IPL, former England captain Alastair Cook suggested that it would be better for the youngster to return to county cricket to prepare for the upcoming red-ball campaign. Former cricketers Simon Doull and Michael Atherton also questioned Archer’s decision to continue in the IPL instead of joining the England Test team, reigniting the wider conversation about franchise leagues and Test cricket.Gavaskar, writing in his column for Mid-Day, took exception to what he sees as the persistent criticism of Indian cricket and the BCCI from overseas voices. The former Indian captain argued that many of those who criticize the IPL ultimately benefit from the commercial power generated by Indian cricket and its huge fan base.“Indian cricket and BCCI bashing is a given for you,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day. “But in terms of revenue, it still has to come to the BCCI because it is Indian cricketers and Indian fans that fill their coffers much more than what their traditional rivalry does.”Gavaskar also pointed to the financial rewards that foreign cricket boards receive from IPL contracts involving their players. In his view, critics often ignore these benefits and still complain about players not being available for international duty during the tournament.“Raining about the IPL and their players not being available for their country is another popular pastime. Not a word though about the 10% their boards get from each player’s fee from their country,” he added.The great batsman went on to highlight what he sees as the IPL’s unique contribution to world cricket, noting that overseas boards get a share of the players’ earnings from the tournament.“It brings in a cool million plus pounds every year. Does The Hundred give any percentage to the boards of their overseas players who play in their tournament? No sir. Does the BBL or any other T20 league give any percentage to the boards of their overseas players. Again no sir. Only the IPL does. Yet the whining and moaning about BCCI and Indian cricket just reeks of Indian cricket. It’s here to stay, no matter how you try to tear it down,” he added.Gavaskar’s comments come at a time when the relationship between franchise cricket and the international game continues to be heavily debated. While concerns about player workload and availability remain, the former India captain has made it clear that he believes the IPL’s contribution to global cricket is often overlooked by its critics.