Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has taken a firm stand against uncapped players earning massive sums in the Indian Premier League (IPL) without consistent performances in domestic cricket. In his column, Gavaskar expressed concern over the growing trend of players skipping Ranji Trophy matches yet receiving crores in the IPL auctions.
‘Uncapped Crorepatis’ Under Fire
Gavaskar questioned the fairness of uncapped cricketers getting big IPL contracts despite not proving themselves in the domestic circuit. He stated that many of these players have not made significant contributions to the Indian national team and are benefitting purely from “good luck.”
“In IPL 2025, several uncapped players were signed for crores, but few have done anything major for Team India. It’s pure good fortune that they’re earning crores they don’t really deserve,” wrote Gavaskar.
Some of the uncapped players mentioned include Rasikh Dar (RCB), Naman Dhir (MI), Nehal Wadhera (PBKS), Abdul Samad (LSG), and Ashutosh Sharma (DC), among others.
BCCI Urged to Reform Ranji Trophy Incentives
Gavaskar also emphasized the need for the BCCI and state associations to better reward domestic performers who work hard throughout the season in hopes of wearing the India cap. He suggested a slab-based match fee system where players who participate more earn more, encouraging full-season participation.
He added that increasing match fees for teams reaching the Ranji knockouts could also motivate players to stay committed to the tournament instead of avoiding it before the IPL due to injury concerns.
Tribute to Priyank Panchal
Gavaskar praised Gujarat batsman Priyank Panchal, who recently retired from all forms of cricket. Despite being a consistent run-scorer with over 8,800 first-class runs and captaining India A, Panchal never played for India.
“It’s sad that he never got an India cap. He gave his youth to the game but likely didn’t earn much either because he never made it to the IPL,” Gavaskar wrote, highlighting the sharp contrast in earnings between IPL stars and dedicated domestic players.
Gavaskar concluded by calling out the uneven pay system between the IPL and India’s traditional domestic formats, urging the cricketing board to reconsider its priorities.
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