The BCCI is not planning to mediate between IPL franchises and overseas players on tournament availability. Franchises raised concerns during the recently
concluded season.
The board believes the matter should be handled directly by players and teams. BCCI also points to its existing rules as a deterrent against late withdrawals.
Foreign recruits who withdraw after being bought at the auction face a two-year ban. Even so, availability during the two-month IPL remains a recurring problem. BCCI feels franchises are the custodians of players for such decisions. The board also says players can choose in consultation with their franchise.
BCCI IPL availability for overseas players
Several overseas players missed the first half due to niggles. Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were among those unavailable early on. Delhi Capitals were affected by Mitchell Starc's absence in that period. The issue continued to draw attention as teams planned combinations and workloads.
After Rajasthan Royals' play-offs campaign, head coach Kumar Sangakkara questioned Sam Curran's absence. Sangakkara said, "We were told that Sam Curran had a season-ending injury, but I think I saw him playing for Surrey for two or three games now. So that was disappointing, Sangakkara had said.\" The comments followed Curran playing T20 matches in the UK.
Punjab Kings co-owner Mohit Burman also flagged coordination gaps. Burman said boards and BCCI need better alignment on overseas player availability. However, BCCI believes such disputes are best resolved between a player and the franchise. The board sees no need to act as an intermediary in such cases.
In one example, Jofra Archer remained available for the full tournament. This was despite the ECB wanting to manage workload, has learned. BCCI sources view this as evidence that franchises and players can find workable solutions. The board maintains the current ban policy is a strong deterrent.
BCCI IPL auction purse and player payments
The current auction purse stands at Rs 125 crore. BCCI is open to gradual increases in future seasons. Yet, it is against a major jump in the purse. The board worries that extra funds could trigger irrational bidding, like Chris Morris in 2021.
BCCI also notes that players receive more than contract values alone. Players earn match fees of Rs 7. 5 lakh per game. Many also gain extra sponsorship during the tournament. The board feels these earnings already add to overall compensation during the IPL window.
BCCI IPL schedule window after 2027
Media rights will be renewed after the 2027 cycle. BCCI expects stakeholders to then assess the future of bilateral series. Many Test nations now run their own T20 leagues. They are less dependent on hosting India series than in the past.
Broadcasters are also questioning the value of some bilaterals. A recent one-off Test between India and Afghanistan drew near empty stands. BCCI sees these trends as part of wider scheduling pressures. Any shift in the IPL window would need coordination across boards and rights holders.
BCCI's current stance keeps availability discussions between overseas players and their IPL franchises. The board continues to rely on the two-year ban for post-auction withdrawals. It also prefers measured changes to the auction purse, while planning a larger IPL from 2028. Wider calendar decisions are expected after media rights talks post 2027.
With inputs from PTI
