Irfan Pathan has become the lastest former India player to hit out at England players for leaving the Indian Premier League 2024 early. Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone and several others have left to play in the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan.
They were instructed by the England and Wales Cricket Board to return before the start of the last assignment ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Despite BCCI’s negotiations, England refused to change its stance.
England players were in exceptional form and their departure is likely to impact franchises in the playoffs. Sunil Gavaskar was miffed and urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India to fine the cricketers for leaving before time affet agreeing to play the full season.
He also suggested that 10 percent commission given to the cricket boards for ensuring the smooth participation of their players should be stopped, considering they don’t appreciate the apex body of the Indian cricket.
“I am in favour of fair international cricket. However, if have agreed to be a part of the full season, you should keep your words. England players are earning a lot of money from IPL and they should respect their contracts. It is high time that BCCI allows the franchises to deduct some amount from their overall contract money if they leave early. Even the 10 percent commission given to cricket boards should be stopped,” Sunil Gavaskar had said.
Irfan has given his opinion on the matter. “Either be available for full season or don’t come,” he wrote on X.
The owners of all the franchises could discuss this issue with the officials of the Indian cricket board in their meeting after the conclusion of the 17th season.
