Ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2026 auction, Sunil Gavaskar has issued a stern warning to foreign players who display a lack of commitment to the entirety of the Indian Premier League season. The former India captain and cricketing legend has made it clear that those who prioritize other engagements, be it personal or professional (excluding national duties), should not even be considered for the auction.

Gavaskar, known for his forthright views, expressed his concerns in a recent column, stating that the IPL is the premier T20 league globally and should not be taken lightly. He emphasized that any player who doesn't respect the league by making themselves available for the full duration shouldn't be in the auction. "If something other than a national commitment is more important to him, then not one second of the auction should be wasted on him," he asserted.

Gavaskar's comments come in the wake of reports that Australian player Josh Inglis has declared limited availability for the IPL 2026 season due to personal reasons. Inglis, who had set his base price at INR 2 crore, will reportedly be available for only 25% of the season. This situation seems to have triggered Gavaskar's strong stance.

This isn't the first time Gavaskar has voiced strong opinions regarding the IPL and its players. He has previously criticized the high salaries awarded to uncapped players, suggesting that it sometimes leads to complacency and a lack of hunger to perform. He has also been critical of foreign players commenting on Indian cricket matters, asserting that team selections are "none of their business". Gavaskar believes they should focus on their own country's cricket.

The IPL 2026 mini-auction is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16, with several hundred players having registered. With only 77 slots available across the ten teams, competition for places is expected to be fierce. Gavaskar's warning adds another layer of complexity to the auction dynamics, potentially influencing franchise strategies and player selections.

It remains to be seen how the franchises will react to Gavaskar's strong words. However, his statement undoubtedly sends a clear message about the importance of commitment and respect for the IPL. As teams finalize their shortlists, availability and dedication are likely to be key factors in determining which players make the cut for the upcoming auction.