Issue of foreign players opting for partial participation Indian Premier League (IPL) Controversy has once again arisen before the 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi. Despite the league’s global reputation, many foreign stars have registered with limited availability, preferring non-national commitments over the full tournament period. This trend has been severely criticized in the past India captain Sunil GavaskarGavaskar issued strongly worded instructions that teams should not waste even a second in bidding on individuals who are not fully committed to the league,
Sunil Gavaskar gives warning to foreign players ahead of IPL 2026 auction
Gavaskar called out foreign players who make themselves available only for a limited period of the IPL season, insisting that the practice shows a fundamental lack of respect for the world’s premier T20 competition. Writing in his mid-day column, Gavaskar said that individuals who prioritize non-national duties over IPL should not be allowed to be included in the auction pool. He wasted no words in delivering his stinging message:
“There are some players who have made themselves available for a limited period. Frankly, if a player does not show respect for the IPL and does not make himself available for the entire tournament, he should not even be in the auction.”
Gavaskar stressed that any commitment other than playing for his country was insufficient justification for missing parts of the season:
“If anything is more important to him than national commitment, not even a second of the auction should be wasted on him. The IPL is the best T20 league in the world, and anyone taking it lightly should not be considered at all.”
Gavaskar’s comments reflect the growing frustration within the Indian cricket community over the alleged careless attitude of some foreign players towards their lucrative IPL contracts.
IPL franchises face problems ahead of 2026 mini auction
Gavaskar’s comments were directly influenced by the situation with the Australian wicketkeeper-batsman josh inglisWho have registered for the 2026 auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore despite confirmation that their availability is restricted. was issued by inglis Punjab Kings (PBKS) After the 2025 season, a decision on the head coach ricky ponting The player’s limited availability was reportedly due to his marriage schedule.
The Australian case highlights the complex system facing franchises, which commit significant financial resources to players who may only be available for certain matches. The issue is further complicated by historic mid-season withdrawals; Australian pacer during postponed IPL 2025 Mitchell Starc and batsman Jake Fraser-McGurk Both withdrew their names due to security concerns related to India-Pakistan Enmity. Furthermore, the foreign contingent is already dominated by players such as the retired South African star Faf du Plessiswho chose to play in Pakistan Super League (PSL) Instead of IPL, and Australian all-rounder glen maxwellWho completely removed his name from the IPL 2026 auction pool.
Also read: 5 franchises that can target Rachin Ravindra in IPL 2026 auction
