Overview
- Sunil Gavaskar published a Mid-Day column on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, defending the Indian Premier League and the BCCI against recent criticism of franchise priorities.
- He wrote that the IPL gives 10% of an overseas player’s fee to that player’s national board and estimated those payments add up to “a cool million plus pounds” each year.
- The column was a direct response to scrutiny after the 2026 IPL season, which focused on cases such as Jofra Archer staying with Rajasthan Royals for the playoffs and missing England’s first Test and Jacob Bethell’s limited county involvement.
- Gavaskar accused former players and pundits who criticised the IPL of double standards, saying many benefit from India’s cricket revenues even as they publicly attack the BCCI.
- The exchange has sharpened the public debate over franchise versus international commitments but has not produced any reported rule changes, and it could increase pressure on boards to clarify availability rules or revenue arrangements.