Sunil Gavaskar has opened up on changes needed in India’s domestic structure and the IPL. The former Indian cricketer feels that some franchises take too much risk on certain players despite them not having the experience of playing domestic cricket. He reckoned that certain players get lucky as get contract worth crores of rupees even after having negligible experience.
He further addressed the increase in match fees of the players in the Ranji Trophy and felt a slab system would serve the players’ interests much better. Gavaskar further stated the offering lucrative pay will increase players’ interest towards domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy.
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“The argument that it is market forces is not really valid, for more often than not, it is sheer good fortune, as some franchises want to take a punt with young talent. Have a look at the uncapped crorepatis throughout the IPL, and you will find that very few have gone on to do big things for India. It’s their good luck that has made them the crores that they actually don’t deserve,” wrote Gavaskar in a column for Sportstar.
“The BCCI has increased the match fees in recent times, and that’s very good, but if they add the slab system of fees whereby those who play more matches get more, then that would make more players turn up for the Ranji Trophy instead of feigning injury just a month or so before the IPL starts so that they don’t get injured and miss out on the IPL,” he added.
Money is not the issue for the BCCI and its affiliated units: Sunil Gavaskar
The former Indian cricketer also made a point for the teams that play the knockouts and wished to see an increase in the match fees of those who play big matches. He feels that money is not an issue for BCCI, and these suggestions could be easily implemented.
“If the BCCI can also increase the match fees for the teams that reach the knockouts, then that also would be a great incentive for the players to keep playing further, instead of withdrawing in fear of injury before the IPL. Money is not the issue for the BCCI and its affiliated units, so hopefully, these suggestions will be considered before the new domestic season starts,” Gavaksar added.
