Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India to introduce stricter penalties for overseas players withdrawing from the Indian Premier League, stating the current two-year ban is ineffective.
Gavaskar Slams Last-Minute Withdrawals
His remarks came after Ben Duckett pulled out of IPL 2026 just days before the tournament. The England opener, picked by Delhi Capitals, chose to focus on international commitments, disappointing fans and the franchise.
‘Two-Year Ban Not Enough’
Gavaskar questioned the effectiveness of the existing rule, saying it fails to deter players. He emphasized that penalties must significantly impact players’ chances of returning to the league to ensure accountability.
Call for Stronger IPL Regulations
The cricket legend believes repeated withdrawals highlight a growing trend that could hurt the league’s credibility. He suggested the BCCI must act firmly to ensure players respect auction commitments and team planning.
