IPL vs domestic cricket: Former India great underscores star pay disparity, proposes solution

Sunil Gavaskar, a legendary figure in Indian cricket, has underscored the transformative role of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) since its establishment in 2008 in developing domestic cricketing talent. 

Writing for a leading sports magazine, Gavaskar praised the IPL’s vital contribution in elevating cricketers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Mohammed Siraj. The league provides a platform for emerging players to compete alongside international stars, thereby showcasing their abilities on a prominent stage.

Suryavanshi Shines 

An extraordinary moment in the current season has been the debut of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi for the Rajasthan Royals. Suryavanshi made headlines after being acquired for Rs 1.1 crore during the mega auction last November.

"The IPL has clearly demonstrated that a singular exceptional performance can propel an unknown player into national prominence," Gavaskar remarked in his column.

Disparity in Earnings

Despite the success stories, Gavaskar expressed concern over the income disparity between IPL participants and domestic cricket players, particularly those who excel in the renowned Ranji Trophy. He pointed out that even exceptional performances in this National Championship do not always garner significant attention.

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Gavaskar highlighted that a successful IPL stint can be economically more rewarding than an entire career in Ranji Trophy cricket. "Many players disappear from the cricketing scene after a season or two, but one prosperous IPL season can be financially far more beneficial than a longstanding Ranji career," he commented, attributing this to the IPL’s widespread appeal and lucrative broadcasting deals.

Proposed Solution

Offering potential solutions, Gavaskar suggested that cricket associations might mitigate this disparity by matching payments to Ranji players with those offered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). 

"At the season's conclusion, players from Ranji or domestic Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali tournaments are often unable to reach the Rs 30 lakh base price for an uncapped IPL player," he noted.