IPL teams may call for action against truant international players

The owners of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises and the officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are anticipated to debate the problem of defaulting international players extensively during their meeting. The meeting on Wednesday night will cover the issues raised by several club managements regarding certain international players’ disregard for and lack of dedication to the IPL auction process.

The IPL management is concerned about the behaviour of some players who have pulled out of the competition on multiple occasions in the past, reportedly due to poor bids. These players include Wanindu Hasaranga, Jason Roy, and Alex Hales. Franchises have been dissatisfied with their withdrawals due to a variety of unconvincing reasons, including personal concerns and injuries. In order to resolve these problems and guarantee player commitment, the meeting will highlight the necessity of remedial action.

Franchise representatives have asked for action against truant players who have withdrew without good reason in their recent one-on-one meetings with the BCCI CEO. Some have even suggested banning these untrustworthy players. The teams have stated that the unexpected withdrawals have interfered with their meticulously detailed pre-auction planning. The meeting will disclose the BCCI’s response to these accusations; nonetheless, the fact that this item is on the agenda indicates the board’s seriousness about the matter.

Just before the IPL play-offs this season, players were called up for bilateral international matches by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The afflicted teams, who were missing important English players during pivotal knockout games, were furious about this decision. Jos Buttler, the captain of England, also voiced his disapproval of the ECB’s decision, arguing that there shouldn’t be any bilateral matches planned for the IPL.

Richard Gould, CEO of the ECB, responded to a recent question from Cricbuzz regarding this by saying, “We are always very pleased when our players go out, around the world, playing in franchise tournaments.” We have a stellar track record. In 2023, there were 74 men’s English qualifying players who participated in international events. That indicates without a doubt that we are the largest contributor to international franchises.

Pakistan is, I believe, the second-best performing country, with 45. Now, obviously, we always take great pride in our players’ ability to seek other options. However, as you can see from the fact that we’ve moved to multi-year central contracts, it’s imperative that our best players—men and women alike—are ready, able, and eager to represent England in bilateral or ICC international matches.” By now, the BCCI would have brought up the matter with the ECB.

The clubs have also drawn attention to a pattern in which certain international players opt to participate in the mini-auction rather than the mega-auction, frequently securing larger offers. The teams want this matter resolved, and it’s known that the BCCI has previously listened to the concerns raised by team representatives.

The teams would like that IPL regulations and incremental performance pay—two of the most important things on the agenda—be left as optional rather than required. They contend that teams ought to be free to choose their own evaluation criteria rather than letting the BCCI do so.

Also Read: IPL franchisees hoping for leeway in player retention, purse amount, and RTM rules ahead of the mega auction

Perhaps this would be the first time that such a thorough and detailed agenda was negotiated with the owners. Professionals from the franchisees, including CEOs or managers, are unlikely to be allowed to attend, though. It is acknowledged that only team owners will be able to attend; some have asked the BCCI to enable them to do so via video link.