Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has recommended the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prioritizing player welfare and ensuring that contracted cricketers get a month’s rest every year.His comments came as India completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep of Afghanistan, just after the end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the 2026 season.Gavaskar acknowledged the work done by the BCCI in helping developing countries like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka through the two teams. However, he said the health and fitness of the Indian players should remain at the forefront despite the busy cricket calendar.Writing in his Mid-Day column, Gavaskar said: “Yes, the BCCI is like a big brother to countries like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka, and they have been trying to help them grow on the field and raise their fortunes by touring these countries. This reduces the India cap. The Cup should not be awarded because a player replaces a player who has retired.The former opener also questioned the growing trend of resting senior players in order to improve performance. According to Gavaskar, India should field their strongest side if possible.He referred to the recent India Test against Afghanistan, where Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries.“In the Test against Afghanistan who gave honest attempts but nothing more, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries, and Manav Suthar did a fantastic job. Jasprit Bumrah rested but would have liked to add a fifer or tenfer to his record of games against this team. When India plays, then the best team should play, unless there are injuries. But this break due to workload should be avoided as much as possible. Look at the calendar and you will see that India is playing every month somewhere or the other. “Gavaskar also explained that he supports opportunities for young players through India A and Under-19 cricket, but believes senior players should rest properly in the game.“Yes, you can have ‘A’ and U-19 matches so that the young players can get an opportunity and experience, but please spare our top players and make sure that as a team and not as individuals they get a month off a year.”He added that the current situation cannot be changed but said that the future planning should include a break for the players and even the fans.“This year’s schedule is already done and nothing can be changed but since the idea of ​​IPL starting and ending early next year is there, please extend one month’s rest not only for the players but for the cricket fans of India.”India will also be given two T20Is against Ireland in Belfast before the team travels to England for five T20Is and three ODIs from July 1.
