In a report by SportStar, Sunil Gavaskar was seen visibly upset with overseas players, who are still a part of the franchise but are unavailable for the first few games of the tournament. Gavaskar slammed foreign stars for missing initial matches or pulling out entirely for "non-injury and personal reasons".
“Maybe the BCCI needs to step in and, as they have done by banning overseas players for two years for pulling out after being bought at the auction, introduce something similar for players who are not available from the first game of the tournament unless they are on national duty. This will send a strong message to those who think they can take Indian cricket for granted”, the veteran player said.
Maybe the BCCI needs to step in and, as they have done by banning overseas players for two years for pulling out after being bought at the auction, introduce something similar for players who are not available from the first game of the tournament unless they are on national… pic.twitter.com/62l0L7hbTQ
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) April 7, 2026
This has come around after several players, especially the Australian and Sri Lankan, were seen missing from the games because of injuries. The former player also stated that, the franchises leave no stone unturned to provide them with the best hospitality and “go out of their way” often funding luxury travel for their families as well only to see these "millionaire players" treat such gestures as a right rather than a privilege.
Also Read | David Warner arrested for drunk driving in Sydney amid PSL 2026 season
His words were primarily directed towards the SRH captain, Pat Cummins, Delhi Capitals bowler Mitchell Starc and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer, Josh Hazlewood. His words were also directed towards Lockie Ferguson who has stayed back for personal reasons. Gavaskar urged franchise owners to "get tough" and drop these players. He also suggested that the BCCI should implement stricter penalties, such as a two-year ban for players who are unavailable from the first game for reasons other than national duty.
Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood not yet fine for IPL
As of recent news, Cummins has travelled back to Australia to get his back injury scanned and if everything remains safe, he might resume with the Sunrisers from April 17. SRH lost its recent match against LSG and the team definitely looked like they were missing Cummins’ guidance.
Meanwhile, Hazlewood although has joined RCB he currently remains sidelined due to his recent injury. Coach Andy Flower noted he is "looking fit" but is not yet ready for competitive matches; his return is being monitored on a game-by-game basis.
While Starc is still in Australia, he has not yet joined the Delhi Capitals and is rehabbing shoulder and elbow injuries in Australia. He is likely to miss atleast three more games and is expected to rejoin around April 20.
