Hyderabad: A fresh debate over team selection autonomy in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has emerged after England all-rounder Liam Livingstone alleged that franchise owners may influence playing XI decisions. His remarks, based on his experience with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) during IPL 2026, have reignited long-standing discussions about the balance of power between team management and ownership in franchise cricket.
The IPL, widely regarded as one of the richest cricket leagues globally, sees team owners invest hundreds of crores each season. While their visible passion for the sport is unquestionable, questions have often been raised about whether that involvement extends beyond administrative and financial domains into cricketing decisions.
Livingstone’s claim sparks controversy
Livingstone, who featured in only two matches during the IPL 2026 season and scored 1 and 14 respectively, shared his experience during a podcast. According to him, a particular player was consistently preferred in the playing XI because of the owners’ liking, limiting opportunities for others in the squad.
He explained that players in the IPL often fall into three categories — those guaranteed a place, fringe players, and those unlikely to feature unless circumstances change. Placing himself in the second category, Livingstone suggested that his chances were affected by factors beyond performance or strategy.
The England international also referred to a conversation with SRH head coach Daniel Vettori, where he was reportedly informed that team combinations would remain unchanged due to the owners’ preference for a particular player. Livingstone indicated that even when the team fielded only three overseas players in the absence of Pat Cummins, he was not considered for consistent selection.
His remarks suggest that, at least in his case, clarity from the coaching staff helped him understand his position in the squad, even if it did not translate into opportunities on the field.
Experts weigh in on owner influence
The issue was further discussed during the same podcast, where former England captain Alastair Cook and cricket expert David Lloyd shared their perspectives.
When Lloyd questioned the level of cricketing expertise team owners possess, Cook responded candidly, stating that their primary strength lies in their financial power. While neither explicitly confirmed that owners dictate team selection, both acknowledged the possibility of their influence in decision-making processes.
Such remarks underline a broader concern within franchise cricket — whether commercial interests and personal preferences could sometimes overshadow purely cricketing considerations.
SRH’s IPL 2026 campaign
SRH, co-owned by Kavya Maran, had a competitive season in IPL 2026. The team successfully qualified for the playoffs but was eliminated by Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator.
Despite their strong performance, Livingstone’s comments have shifted focus from on-field achievements to internal team dynamics. The franchise has not issued any official response to the claims so far.
A recurring debate in franchise cricket
The question of owner influence is not new to the IPL. Over the years, there have been speculations — though rarely backed by direct evidence — about the role owners play in shaping team strategies and selections. Livingstone’s candid remarks have now added a rare first-hand account to the conversation.
In professional sports leagues worldwide, a clear separation between management and ownership is often considered essential to maintain fairness and competitive integrity. However, in franchise-based models like the IPL, where financial stakes are significantly high, the lines can sometimes blur.
Conclusion
Livingstone’s revelations have brought renewed attention to an issue that has largely remained speculative. While his comments do not conclusively establish a widespread trend, they highlight the need for transparency in team operations.
As the IPL continues to grow in scale and influence, ensuring that cricketing decisions remain primarily in the hands of coaches and selectors will be crucial for maintaining the league’s credibility. Whether SRH or the IPL governing body addresses these concerns remains to be seen, but the debate around owner involvement is unlikely to fade anytime soon.