"Their Salaries Also Come Because of India" – Firstpost: The Ignored Truth Behind the IPL’s Global Success
The Double Standard of Indian Cricket
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 heats up, the focus has shifted from the action on the field to the controversy surrounding India’s scheduling in Dubai. Former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton have ignited a heated debate, questioning the perceived advantages that come with playing all matches at a single venue. Sunil Gavaskar, a cricket legend from India, has taken a strong stance, defending his country’s position and challenging the priorities of England’s cricketing elite.
Gavaskar Hits Back at Hussain and Atherton
In a scathing response, Gavaskar has asked the former England captains to focus on their own team’s shortcomings rather than targeting India. England’s dismal performance in the Champions Trophy 2025, where they failed to even qualify for the semi-finals, should be their primary concern. Instead, Gavaskar believes they are too preoccupied with criticizing India, forgetting that "their salaries also come because of India".
India’s Contribution to Global Cricket
Gavaskar has highlighted India’s vast contribution to global cricket, citing the immense revenue generated through television rights and media. This massive influx of funds benefits not only Indian cricket but also other nations, including England. He stated, "India’s contribution to global cricket, through television rights and media revenue, plays a massive role. They need to understand that their salaries also come because of India." It’s a stark reminder that the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other cricket tournaments is deeply intertwined with India’s economic might.
The Financial Reality of International Cricket
The financial landscape of international cricket is vastly different from what it was just a decade ago. The IPL has played a significant role in transforming the sport, with teams like the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings generating massive revenue. This influx of cash has created a culture of big-money cricket, where players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are boat-rockers in the international cricket arena.
The Debate: Advantage or Disadvantage?
The debate surrounding India’s scheduling in Dubai has sparked intense discussion, with some arguing that the familiarity with conditions and the lack of travel provide an unfair advantage. Gavaskar, however, has dismissed these claims, urging the former England captains to focus on their own team’s struggles. He believes that instead of criticizing India, they should be grateful for the global success of cricket, which in part is driven by India’s economic might.
Conclusion
As the Champions Trophy 2025 unfolds, the focus will likely shift back to the action on the field. However, the controversy surrounding India’s scheduling will linger, with Gavaskar’s pointed remarks laying bare the double standard in global cricket. For fans of the sport, the debate will continue to rage on, with one thing certain – their salaries also come because of India. As Gavaskar would say, "Let them keep moaning. We have better things to focus on."
Key Quotes:
- "I think these are all wise and experienced people. Why don’t you actually look at why your team has not qualified? That’s what I was going to ask you, sir. Rather than constantly focusing on India, are you even looking at your own backyard?"
- "You must care about results. You must care for your country, for any team you play for. If you are playing for your country, the responsibility is even greater. All the time, they are moaning ‘India has got this, India has got that.’ It’s constant. We must just ignore it. Let them keep moaning. We have better things to focus on."
- "It’s not even worth commenting on. It really isn’t. They just cannot seem to understand where India stands in international cricket, in terms of quality, income, talent, and, more importantly, in terms of generating revenue. India’s contribution to global cricket, through television rights and media revenue, plays a massive role. They need to understand that their salaries also come from what India brings to the world of cricket."
Live News Daily is a trusted name in the digital news space, delivering accurate, timely, and in-depth reporting on a wide range of topics.