Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
Former India cricketer and legend, Sunil Gavaskar recently shared his views on Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) uncapped rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). It is to be noted that ahead of the mega auction in November 2024, the BCCI altered its rules to accommodate a few players in the IPL under the uncapped player tag, including legend MS Dhoni.
But with the 2025 edition of the IPL underway, Sunil Gavaskar slammed the tournament organisers for altering its rule in order to accommodate MS Dhoni, who was retained by Chennai Super Kings for a price of INR 4 Crore. The rule, which BCCI scrapped in 2021, was revived ahead of 2025 edition, aloowing an Indian player who hasn’t played international cricket in five years to be considered “uncapped”.
To accommodate MS, the limit was raised to Rs 4 crore: Sunil Gavaskar
In his column on Sportstar, Gavaskar questioned the sky-rocketing salaries of uncapped players, while hinting that it could damage the future of cricket in India. "A whole lot of the players bought for huge amounts simply fade away as their hunger and drive are satiated. To the franchises, it perhaps doesn’t matter as they may feel it’s good riddance, but Indian cricket takes a bit of a beating at the loss of any player, whether he has been successful or not.”
The former India cricketer further added, “To accommodate Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who became an uncapped player before the auction last year, the limit was raised to Rs 4 crore”, grabbing attention of a large sect. Gavaskar also questioned the value put on untrusted talents, while adding, “A whole lot of the players bought for huge amounts simply fade away as their hunger and drive are satiated... Indian cricket takes a bit of a beating at the loss of any player whether he has been successful or not.”
Although the legend has urged the BCCI to change the rule, it is to be seen if this will see some changes with an eye to safeguard Indian cricket’s future and long-term interests.
