IPL franchises request BCCI to ban overseas players who skip tournament without ‘valid reasons’

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are aiming to put an end to the withdrawal drama of foreign players. It has been a common sight in recent years for some foreign players to pull out from the tournament with a few days or weeks left before the start of the season.

Team building involves a lot of effort and time and when players pull out at the last minute, it creates a major headache for the management. England players have followed this trend mostly. For instance, star players like Jason Roy of Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings' Ben Stokes had opted out of the 2024 IPL.   

According to a report on Cricbuzz, some franchises have suggested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) take action against players who withdraw from the tournament without valid reasons. While some players had legitimate reasons such as injury, others failed to provide a valid reason to skip the event. 

"In their one-on-one meetings with the BCCI CEO recently, franchise officials have sought actions against truant players who have withdrawn without valid reasons, with some even suggesting bans for these unreliable players," said the report.

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If a player doesn't come to play, he should be banned: SRH co-owner Kavya Maran

Kavya Maran, co-owner and CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), is among the IPL franchise representatives who have suggested strict action against players who withdraw from the tournament without a valid reason. According to her, a player without valid reasons should be banned if he does not show up to play.  

"After being selected in the auction, if a player doesn't come to play the season for any reason apart from injury, he should be banned. The franchises put in a lot of effort into the auction to form their combinations. If a player goes for a low amount in the auction, and subsequently doesn't turn up, it affects the combination and the balance of the side. There have been many instances of overseas players not turning up for this reason," Maran told Cricbuzz.

Notably, SRH did not get the services of Sri Lankan star spinner Wanindu Hasarnga for the 2023 season. He was bought for a base price of Rs 1.5 crore but did not turn up for the event.