The glitz and glamour of the IPL have often overshadowed the grind of domestic cricket in India. This week, cricketing icon Sunil Gavaskar reignited this debate by calling out uncapped players who earn crores in the IPL without substantial contributions at the national or domestic level.
Writing in his Sportstar column, Gavaskar didn’t hold back.
“It’s their good luck that has made them the crores that they actually don’t deserve,” he said, referring to players picked more on potential and less on performance.
The list of such players in IPL 2025 includes names like Abdul Samad, Ashutosh Sharma, Abhinav Manohar, and others who have bagged multi-crore deals without significant success in Ranji Trophy or for the Indian team.
Is IPL Undermining Domestic Cricket?
Gavaskar raised concerns about players skipping Ranji Trophy games, allegedly to protect themselves from injury before the IPL. This has resulted in many state teams struggling to field their best XIs during crucial matches.
To address this issue, Gavaskar has proposed a more performance-based pay structure for domestic cricket, including higher match fees and incentives for teams reaching later stages of the competition.
“If they add a slab system of fees, whereby those who play more matches get more, then that would make more players turn up for the Ranji Trophy,” he added.
Panchal: The Cricketer Who Deserved More
Among the many names Gavaskar mentioned, Priyank Panchal stood out as a symbol of dedication and missed opportunities. Despite being a top performer for nearly two decades, Panchal never received an India call-up and also missed out on IPL riches.
“Sometimes it’s just the misfortune of having been born at the same time as some others who were selected ahead of him,” Gavaskar remarked.
Panchal’s stats speak volumes: nearly 9,000 First-Class runs, 29 centuries, and a legacy of consistency. But without an India cap or IPL contract, his earnings and recognition remain modest.
Reevaluating Cricket’s Reward System
Gavaskar’s sharp critique brings to light the need for a balanced ecosystem—one that celebrates both flashy IPL performers and the silent domestic workhorses.
As the IPL continues to grow, so does the responsibility of the BCCI and franchises to recognize real, long-term talent beyond the auction headlines.
Final Thoughts
While the IPL has created overnight millionaires, Indian cricket must not forget those who keep its foundation strong. Sunil Gavaskar’s words are a reminder that merit, not just marketability, should drive cricket’s reward system.
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