IPL 2025
IPL franchise owners may insist on action against truant foreign players
|| CF DESK ||
The issue of foreign players defaulting is expected to dominate discussions in the upcoming meeting between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) authorities and Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners.
Several franchise managements have raised concerns about certain foreign players showing a lack of respect and commitment towards the IPL auction process, a topic set to be addressed during the meeting on Wednesday evening.
Players such as Jason Roy, Alex Hales, and Wanindu Hasaranga have previously withdrawn from the IPL, often citing low bids as the reason. Their actions have caused frustration among IPL management and franchises, with reasons for withdrawal ranging from personal issues to injuries, often viewed as unconvincing.
The meeting will focus on implementing corrective measures to ensure player commitment and address these recurring issues.
During recent one-on-one meetings with the BCCI CEO, franchise officials have called for action against players who withdraw without valid reasons, with some suggesting bans for unreliable players.
Franchises have reported that sudden withdrawals disrupt their detailed pre-auction planning. The BCCI's response to these complaints will be revealed at the meeting, signaling the board's serious stance on the matter.
In the recent IPL season, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recalled players for international matches just before the IPL play-offs.
This decision caused consternation among affected teams, which missed key English players during crucial knockout games. Even England captain Jos Buttler expressed displeasure with the ECB's decision, suggesting that no bilateral games should be scheduled during the IPL.