Two-year ban not enough: Sunil Gavaskar urges BCCI for stricter IPL withdrawal rules

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has called for stricter measures against last-minute withdrawals in the IPL, urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to revisit its current punishment system. The former India captain believes the existing two-year ban rule is not strong enough to deter players from pulling out after being picked in the auction.

Gavaskar’s remarks come in the wake of multiple high-profile withdrawals, with overseas players opting out of IPL commitments citing workload management or personal priorities. Speaking on the issue, Gavaskar highlighted how the BCCI should opt for more impactful punishments in such cases.

“It is a tough one. Clearly, Ben Duckett had a very good Ashes series, and if he had not been bought for the amount he was at The Hundred auction, maybe things would have been different.



One can understand that, having been bought at a very good price in The Hundred, he was probably quite happy to miss this and say he wants to focus on his England Test career," Gavaskar said.

“But yes, what should be done is something for the BCCI to think about as well, because a two-year ban is obviously not working. You have to look at something that will have an impact. As long as it’s not having an impact on the player and his chances of coming back to the IPL, it won’t work," he added.

The IPL had introduced a rule that bars overseas players from participating in the tournament and future auctions for two seasons if they withdraw after being picked, unless the reason is a verified injury or medical condition. However, recent cases suggest that the rule may not be acting as a strong enough deterrent.