England pacer Jofra Archer’s absence from the recent Lord’s Test against New Zealand has sparked fresh debate about the balance between franchise cricket and international commitments. Archer was available during the IPL season, yet missed the Test, a decision that has not gone down well with several former players who believe Test cricket should still come first. The criticism has now prompted a strong response from batting great Sunil Gavaskar, who says questioning player availability has become a common habit.

Gavaskar defended the Indian Premier League’s role in world cricket and argued that the BCCI is often singled out unfairly. In his column for mid-day, he pointed out that Indian cricket generates enormous revenue for the global game, and that several boards benefit directly from the IPL in ways that are rarely acknowledged.

“Indian cricket and BCCI bashing is par for the course,” Sunil Gavaskar wrote. “But when it comes to revenues, they still have to come to the BCCI because it is Indian cricket and Indian fans that fill their coffers much more than even what their traditional rivalry does.” He also took aim at what he sees as selective criticism of the IPL when overseas players become unavailable for their national teams.

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“Cribbing about IPL and their players not being available for their country is another favourite pastime. Not a word though about the 10% their Boards get of the fee of every player from their country,” Gavaskar added.

The former India captain further highlighted the financial contribution the IPL makes to cricket boards around the world, claiming that the league sends out “a million plus pounds” every year. He contrasted that with other franchise tournaments, questioning whether they offer similar support to boards.

“It adds up to a cool million plus pounds every year. Does The Hundred give any percentage to the Boards of their overseas players playing in their tournament? No sir. Does the BBL or any other country T20 leagues give any percentage to the Boards of their overseas players. No sir again. Only the IPL does,” he wrote.

“Yet the whining and moaning about BCCI and Indian cricket just goes on and on. Wake up and smell the coffee guys. Indian cricket is here to stay, no matter how you try to pull it down,” Sunil Gavaskar concluded.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan also weighed in, saying franchise leagues are valuable but should not be allowed to overshadow Test cricket. Speaking on Cricbuzz, he stressed that red-ball cricket must remain the highest priority. Former New Zealand quick Simon Doull, however, was much more direct in his criticism of Archer’s commitment. He called the situation “ludicrous” and questioned how a player earning close to £1 million a year could miss England’s first Test.

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Doull also drew a comparison with New Zealand fast bowlers who used IPL breaks to stay in red-ball rhythm. He pointed out that Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Matt Henry had trained with a red ball during previous IPL seasons so they could remain ready for Test duty. According to Doull, Archer could have done the same during IPL 2026. In his view, the fact that he did not suggests a lack of interest in Test cricket.