With the IPL 2026 auction scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has expressed strong displeasure over foreign players who are showing limited availability for the upcoming season.

Gavaskar did not hold back during a sports show, bluntly stating:

“Don’t waste time on these players in the auction.”

His remark was aimed at overseas cricketers who, according to him, do not treat the IPL with the seriousness it deserves despite benefiting enormously from the league.

🔴 Josh Inglis Among Several Players With Limited Availability

One of the names that triggered Gavaskar’s anger was Josh Inglis, who informed franchises that he would be available for only part of the 2026 IPL season due to his upcoming marriage. As a result, Punjab Kings released him ahead of the auction.

He is not the only one—several other foreign players have also communicated partial availability:

• Ashton Agar

• William Sutherland

• Adam Milne

• Rilee Rossouw

Franchises often depend heavily on overseas players for balance and flexibility, and sudden unavailability can impact tournament strategies.

🗣️ Gavaskar’s Strong Message to Teams

According to Gavaskar, franchise owners must prioritize players who are fully committed to the league:

“If a player cannot give his full availability, then teams should not waste time or money on them.”

He added that the IPL has given global players fame and fortune, and it is disrespectful to treat the league as optional.

🏏 Why This Matters Before IPL 2026 Auction

The auction pool this year includes 1,300+ players, but franchises will be wary of:

• Part-time availability

• Last-minute withdrawals

• Players prioritizing personal events over IPL commitments

Teams will likely focus on reliable, fully available options—especially given the tight season window.