By Admin 
Indian cricket’s legendary batsman and former captain Sunil Gavaskar has urged the BCCI to pay attention to the interests of the players and give at least one month’s rest to centrally contracted cricketers every calendar year. The 1983 World Cup winner said this after the end of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, in which the Indian team won 3-0. It is worth noting that the only Test match played between India and Afghanistan was played just six days after the clash of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans in the final of IPL 2026.
Gavaskar said that he understands that BCCI has to play the role of an elder brother to countries like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, but he appealed to the board to also take care of the health and fitness of the players. This series played between India and Afghanistan was not successful in attracting spectators to the stadium and the ODI matches played in Lucknow and Chennai were played in front of half-full stadiums.
The former Indian captain believes that constantly resting players and adopting a rotation policy reduces the importance of the India Cap, while only the best players should get a chance in the national team. He said, “Yes, the BCCI is like a big brother to countries like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka and has always tried to support their development on the field and strengthen their economic condition by touring these countries. However, the health and fitness of our cricketers is also extremely important and the players should get at least one month of clean rest in a year. India is rich in talent and hence you can rotate the players, but this is diluting the importance of the India Cap. No player can get a cap just because. He should be given this respect because he is replacing a player who has been rested.
Gavaskar wrote in his column in mid-day. ‘In the Test match against Afghanistan, a team that made honest efforts but nothing more, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries and Manav Suthar made an impressive debut. Jasprit Bumrah was rested, but wouldn’t he be looking to add a fiver or ten wickets to his career record against this team? When India is playing, only the best team should play, unless there is a compulsion like injury. But due to workload, giving rest to players should be avoided as much as possible. Look at the calendar, India is playing cricket somewhere every month.
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‘Think about the fans also’- Gavaskar
Gavaskar said that if young players are to be given a chance then the ‘A’ team and the Under-19 team are the most suitable medium. He also said that BCCI should also think about the biggest stakeholder of the game i.e. the fans.
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He finally said, ‘This year’s schedule is already decided and no changes can be made in it, but if there is a plan to start and end the IPL early next year, then please keep a month’s rest for not only the players of Indian cricket but also the fans.