Sunil Gavaskar slams overseas players in IPL 2026, questions commitment as injuries and unavailability impact franchises and fans.
Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has openly criticized overseas players for their limited availability in IPL 2026, raising questions about their commitment towards the tournament and their respective franchises. The veteran highlighted several ongoing issues affecting franchises, from injuries to restrictive instructions from foreign boards.
Several high-profile players, including Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, have yet to make a significant impact in IPL 2026 due to fitness concerns. Starc is recovering from injury while managing workload ahead of a packed international schedule. Meanwhile, Cummins and Hazlewood have joined their squads but are not fully match-fit, delaying their contributions.
Adding to the confusion, Sri Lanka Cricket has not cleared players such as Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshaan Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana, citing fitness tests. Malinga has even approached courts over the issue, while Hasaranga and Pathirana are sidelined with injuries.
Gavaskar Calls Out Cameron Green Controversy
A major point of contention highlighted by Sunil Gavaskar overseas players IPL 2026 is Cameron Green’s role for Kolkata Knight Riders. Cricket Australia instructed Green to participate solely as a batter, contradicting his original all-rounder commitment after being bought for Rs 25.2 crore. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane publicly criticized the Aussie board after losing the opening game against Mumbai Indians, sparking widespread debate.
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Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar:
“Playing for the country is paramount, but franchises open their wallets and hearts for players. Shouldn’t they get full commitment? Four overs in a match are hardly a burden for a bowler, so why not honor the commitment?”
He further added that overseas boards receive 10% of each player’s IPL salary, a practice unique to India’s league. “No other T20 league pays foreign boards. IPL is a cash cow not just for players but also for their boards. If overseas players can’t manage four overs, they should consider resting fully for a few more months,” Gavaskar noted.
Implications for Franchises and Fans
The unavailability of key overseas players is impacting team strategies and fan experience in IPL 2026. Gavaskar’s criticism underscores the need for better coordination between foreign cricket boards, players, and IPL franchises to ensure a seamless tournament.
With the tournament in full swing, franchises and fans are eagerly waiting for the overseas stars to join and showcase their skills. The ongoing debate sparked by Sunil Gavaskar overseas players IPL 2026 may also prompt boards to rethink player management and commitments in future IPL editions.
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