Mumbai: Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has criticised overseas players for arriving late to the Indian Premier League 2026, accusing some of “taking Indian hospitality for granted” and urging franchises to adopt a stricter stance.
With the new IPL season approaching, uncertainty remains over the availability of several international stars, raising concerns for team planning and performance.
Gavaskar calls for tougher action
In his column, Gavaskar did not hold back, suggesting that franchises should consider dropping players who fail to honour their commitments from the start of the season.
“There is also the usual taking-the-franchise-for-granted issue with some overseas players,” he wrote, pointing to instances where players withdraw or delay participation for non-injury or personal reasons.
He emphasised that IPL teams often go the extra mile to accommodate players, including covering expenses for families—gestures that, he believes, are sometimes misinterpreted.
‘Hospitality misunderstood as entitlement’
Gavaskar highlighted what he sees as a cultural mismatch, where Indian hospitality is mistaken for entitlement.
“It’s the Indian way and hospitality, which is often misunderstood as a right by some,” he said, adding that such behaviour disrupts team preparation and balance.
He warned that unless franchises take a firm stand, they risk undermining their own chances of success.
Late arrivals disrupt team plans
Among the high-profile names expected to join their teams late this season are Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, reportedly due to fitness-related concerns.
Frequent last-minute changes to squad availability have become a recurring issue in the IPL, forcing franchises to reshuffle combinations and rethink strategies.
“All the planning in forming the squad goes out of the window when players decide to come whenever they want,” Gavaskar noted.
Call for accountability
The former India captain urged franchise owners to set clear expectations and enforce accountability, even if it means making tough decisions.
His comments reflect a growing sentiment among former players and analysts that consistency and commitment are essential in a tournament as competitive as the IPL.
IPL’s enduring appeal
Despite the concerns, Gavaskar acknowledged that the IPL remains one of the most followed sporting events globally.
He expressed confidence that the tournament would continue to captivate fans, with matches expected to deliver high-quality cricket throughout the season.
Conclusion
Sunil Gavaskar’s remarks have reignited the debate around player commitments in franchise cricket. As IPL 2026 approaches, how teams handle late arrivals could play a crucial role in shaping their campaigns.
With increasing scrutiny on overseas participation, franchises may now face pressure to strike a balance between flexibility and discipline.