Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to prioritize player welfare and ensure that centrally contracted cricketers get at least one month of uninterrupted rest every year.His comments came after India completed a 3-0 ODI series win over Afghanistan, shortly after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.Gavaskar acknowledged the role the BCCI has played in supporting developing cricketing nations like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka through bilateral series. However, he said the health and fitness of the Indian players should be a priority despite a busy cricket schedule.Writing in his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar said, “Yes, BCCI is like the big brother of countries like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, and they are always trying to help them grow in the field and strengthen their finances by touring these countries. However, the health and fitness of our cricketers is also crucial and there should be a clear month of India in the rest of India. They rotate the players, but what is stolen India’s cap should not be given because a player replaces the player who is rested.The former opener also questioned the growing practice of resting senior players due to workload management. According to Gavaskar, India should make their strongest side available whenever possible.He pointed to India’s recent Test against Afghanistan, where Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries.“In the Test against Afghanistan, who were honest tryers but nothing else, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries, and Manav Suthar made an impressive debut. Jasprit Bumrah he was rested, but he would not have liked to have added a fifer or a tenfer to his career record against this team. When India plays, then the best team should play, unless there are injuries, of course. But this rest due to the workload should be avoided as much as possible. Look at the schedule and you will see that India plays every month somewhere or the other.”Gavaskar clarified that he supports more opportunities for younger players through India A and Under-19 cricket, but believes that senior players should take a proper break from the game.“Yes, by all means have the ‘A’ team and the U-19 matches so that the young players have the opportunity and the experience, but please spare our elite players and make sure as a team and not just as individuals they get at least one month off in the year.”He added that the current schedule cannot be changed, but suggests that future planning should include a mandatory break for players as well as fans.“This year’s schedule is already done and nothing can be changed, but since the thought is to have the IPL start and end early next year, then please add a month’s rest not only to the players but to the Indian cricket fans.India’s next assignment is a two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast before the team travels to England for five T20Is and three ODIs starting on July 1.
