IPL 2026: Sunil Gavaskar hits out at delays, criticises 'unnecessary sight of reserve players'

Former Indian captain and broadcaster Sunil Gavaskar has lashed out at the delays in play that the 2026 Indian Premier League has seen, with multiple games getting over well after the stipulated time. 

The designated time for matches to finish in T20 cricket is three hours, but games in the IPL have extended that time period. The BCCI have introduced strict measures, including over-rate penalties. Despite this, games have regularly exceeded the stipulated time, with the clash between the Mumbai Indians and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru going on for a whopping four hours and 22 minutes.

Gavaskar criticised the batters for frequent delays due to their tendency to take breaks between overs, along with focusing on access to the ground for multiple players.

"Often, one sees the unnecessary sight of reserve players stepping onto the ground to give a bottle of water to a fielder near the boundary. That should not be allowed, as it effectively means more than 11 players on the field while play is on, even if it is between deliveries. During strategic time-outs too, one often sees half a dozen people on the field, including batters who are yet to come in. That is taking liberties too far. Apart from two reserve players carrying drinks and two members of the coaching staff, nobody else should be allowed on the ground," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day.

He quoted former Australian cricketer and broadcasting legend Richie Benaud to emphasise players’ etiquette on the field.

“As Richie Benaud once told me at the start of my broadcasting career, the ground is a sacred place and should be entered only by those officiating and those playing. This is why, if I am not doing a pitch report or a TV show, I rarely step onto the field. Hopefully, the BCCI will also ensure that committee members with all-access accreditation do not cross the boundary. Please maintain the sanctity of the playing area," he added.

Gavaskar also recommended changes to reduce the delays after a wicket falls.

"Since all batters are already in the dugout, the allowance of two minutes can be reduced to one minute. If a batter is still not ready to face the bowler, then after a couple of warnings, penalty runs should be imposed," Gavaskar wrote.