Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has lauded the Indian Premier League (IPL) for its ability to spotlight budding talent but also raised concerns over the stark contrast between IPL and domestic cricket, especially the Ranji Trophy.
While the IPL has transformed the cricketing landscape since its inception in 2008 by nurturing stars like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Gavaskar emphasized the inequality in recognition and compensation that plagues India’s premier domestic competition. The IPL not only gives domestic players exposure to global icons but also rewards them handsomely, with players like 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi recently securing a deal worth Rs 1.1 crore with Rajasthan Royals.
IPL Spotlight vs Ranji Trophy Obscurity
In his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar praised the IPL’s role in fast-tracking careers but highlighted how performances in the Ranji Trophy often go unnoticed. According to him, “one performance” in the IPL can propel an unknown player into national consideration, while consistent excellence in the Ranji Trophy fails to earn even media coverage.
He noted that some players, despite brief stints in the IPL, benefit more financially and career-wise than those who dedicate their entire playing years to domestic cricket. This, Gavaskar feels, is an unjust outcome, given that domestic cricketers play nearly three times more matches in a season compared to IPL participants.
Addressing the Pay Gap and Recognition
Gavaskar didn’t just point out the flaws—he proposed ways to reduce the disparity. One of his key suggestions was for state associations to match the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) financial support for domestic players. He also expressed disappointment that even after performing consistently in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, many players fail to meet the IPL’s minimum base price of Rs 30 lakh.
Gavaskar believes that bridging this gap in pay and recognition is crucial for maintaining the dignity and motivation of India’s domestic cricketers. His comments serve as a reminder that while the IPL is a game-changer, the backbone of Indian cricket—the domestic circuit—deserves equal respect and support.
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