Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has stirred the cricketing world by calling for a major rule change in the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the 2026 season. Gavaskar, known for his candid views, has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reduce the maximum salary cap for uncapped players, arguing that the current system harms both player motivation and the future of Indian cricket.
The Controversial Uncapped Player Rule
The IPL’s uncapped player rule allows franchises to retain Indian players who haven’t played international cricket for at least five years as “uncapped,” with a salary cap currently set at Rs 4 crore. This rule was revived ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, notably enabling Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain MS Dhoni for Rs 4 crore after he met the criteria.
Gavaskar’s Main Concerns
- Excessive Salaries: Gavaskar believes that paying uncapped players such high sums diminishes their hunger and drive, often leading to underwhelming performances.
- Pressure and Performance: He notes that few uncapped players bought for huge amounts have justified their price tags, often succumbing to the pressure and fading away.
- Impact on Indian Cricket: Gavaskar warns that this trend ultimately hurts Indian cricket, as young talents lose motivation to improve after securing lucrative contracts.
“A whole lot of the players bought for huge amounts simply fade away as their hunger and drive are satiated. To the franchises, it perhaps doesn’t matter… but Indian cricket takes a bit of a beating at the loss of any player whether he has been successful or not,” Gavaskar wrote in his Sportstar column.
Why Was the Rule Changed?
The BCCI revived the uncapped player retention rule, which had been in place since 2008 but was scrapped in 2021, specifically before the IPL 2025 auction. The move allowed CSK to retain Dhoni, who last played international cricket in 2019, as an uncapped player for a relatively modest sum compared to marquee capped players.
Key Points About the Rule Change
- The rule applies to Indian players not playing international cricket for five years.
- It was reintroduced in 2025, primarily benefiting high-profile veterans like Dhoni.
- The Rs 4 crore cap is seen as excessive for uncapped players, especially those without proven IPL records.
Gavaskar’s Proposed Solution
Gavaskar is urging the BCCI to:
- Reverse the rule change and return to a lower salary cap for uncapped players.
- Focus on merit and performance rather than convenience or star power.
- Safeguard Indian cricket’s long-term interests by incentivizing young players to remain hungry and motivated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What rule change is Sunil Gavaskar advocating for in the IPL?
Gavaskar is calling for a reduction in the maximum salary cap for uncapped players, arguing that the current Rs 4 crore limit is too high and demotivates young talent.
Q2: Why was the uncapped player rule changed before IPL 2025?
The rule was revived to allow franchises to retain Indian players who haven’t played international cricket for five years, notably enabling CSK to retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player.
Q3: How does Gavaskar believe high salaries affect uncapped players?
He feels that large contracts reduce hunger and drive, often leading to poor performances and stunted growth for young players.
Q4: Has this rule benefited any players?
The most notable beneficiary has been MS Dhoni, who was retained by CSK for Rs 4 crore under the uncapped player rule.
Q5: What is Gavaskar’s main concern with the current IPL system?
He worries that overpaying unproven players damages Indian cricket’s future by removing the incentive to improve and perform.
Conclusion
Sunil Gavaskar’s call for a key IPL rule change ahead of the 2026 season has sparked a vital debate about the league’s priorities and the future of Indian cricket. By advocating for a cap on uncapped player salaries, Gavaskar hopes to restore merit, motivation, and long-term development to the heart of the IPL. As the BCCI considers its next steps, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see if Gavaskar’s advice leads to meaningful reform.