Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has raised concerns over overseas players joining IPL 2026 late. He described the situation as unfair to franchises preparing for the season.
As IPL 2026 approaches, teams are facing uncertainty over player availability. Some key foreign players may not be available from the start.
Players like Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins are expected to join late. Their delay is linked to fitness issues and workload management.
Sunil Gavaskar believes franchises should take a firm stand on this issue. He suggested that teams should not allow players to join at their convenience.
He said some overseas players may be taking Indian hospitality for granted. According to him, franchises put in extra effort to ensure player comfort.
Gavaskar pointed out that this support should not be misused. Delayed arrivals without clear communication can disrupt team planning.
He added that such last-minute changes affect team balance. This can impact performance in a long and competitive tournament like the IPL.
Sunil Gavaskar also warned that this trend could continue if strict measures are not taken. He believes franchises must set clear expectations.
Despite these concerns, IPL 2026 is expected to draw massive attention. The tournament continues to be one of the biggest events in world cricket.
