Last month, the ECB elucidated that cricketers selected for the T20 World Cup shall return to their homeland before the 22nd of May, in time for the home series against Pakistan.
Following England’s late-month announcement of their squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) expounded that those chosen for the ICC tournament must conclude their ongoing IPL commitments to partake in the forthcoming home contest against Pakistan, commencing on May 22. Rob Key, England’s team managing director, underscored that Captain Jos Buttler expressed a desire for English players to withdraw from the IPL 2024 ere the playoffs. However, this decision provoked former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who vehemently advocated for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take stringent measures against foreign players forsaking the tournament for national obligations.
Sunil Gavaskar calls for BCCI to take decisive action against early IPL departures
Despite the BCCI swiftly engaging in discussions with the ECB to mitigate losses for IPL franchises post-May 17, no official updates regarding alterations to England players’ plans have surfaced. With less than a week remaining before players embark on preparations for the T20 World Cup, commencing on June 1, Gavaskar, in his Mid Day column, implored both IPL franchises and the BCCI to adopt robust measures against such actions. He advocates for IPL teams to dock the salaries of players who committed to the entire season but now withdraw prematurely, as well as for the BCCI to penalize cricket boards, which receive a 10 percent commission for making players available for the IPL, to which the cricketers are affiliated.
“I advocate for players prioritizing national duty, but reneging on assurances made to franchises about season-long availability constitutes a betrayal, considering the substantial remuneration offered by IPL franchises, surpassing earnings from multiple seasons representing their nation. Franchises should not only deduct a significant portion from the players’ fees but also withhold the 10 percent commission earmarked for the players’ respective boards.
If boards renege on their assurances, they should face repercussions. Interestingly, this 10 percent commission to boards is unique to the IPL, absent in other leagues like the Australian Big Bash, ECB’s The Hundred, or the Caribbean Premier League. Does the BCCI receive gratitude for its magnanimity? Absolutely not,” he asserted.
