Sunil Gavaskar questions India-A scheduling, shows IPL the mirror on 'devaluing Ranji'

Veteran Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar on Sunday questioned need for India 'A' team to be touring New Zealand at same time as senior side, saying it should t be case with Ranji Trophy being on. former captain also pinpointed that this is never case when Indian Premier League (IPL) is on.

'Ranji Trophy has been devalued'

"Burut is a word that was bandied about quite a lot at start of century but as soon as IPL took off body, especially so-called protector of cricketers rights FICA (Federation of International Cricketers' Associations) has uttered word again. That national championship doesn't mean much has been clear for a few years w that IPL is here and it's been emphasized once again by way Ranji Trophy has been devalued with best talent out of country," Gavaskar wrote in his column for a newspaper. 

'...most Ranji Trophy teams are well below strength'

"One can understand national team being out as it's a bilateral commitment in line with ICC FTP but to have India A team also out touring at same time means that most Ranji Trophy teams are well below strength," wrote Gavaskar. Gavaskar added that with U-19 World Cup also underway in South Africa, Ranji teams are deprived of ir promising players also as y strive to make it to kckouts.

'A specious argument'

"re is ICC under-19 World Cup going on too, so a host of promising youngsters who bring in excitement and fresh energy and outlook are t playing national championship at a time when ir state teams need m to qualify for kckouts. argument that having an ''A'' team touring country where national team is playing makes it easy for any replacements who will be ready and acclimatised if needed by injury to senior team, is a specious argument," added Gavaskar.

READ | Sunil Gavaskar opposes Virat Kohli backing KL Rahul over Rishabh Pant as India's keeper

READ | Virat Kohli should consider opening batting in ODIs and T20Is: Sunil Gavaskar

legendary opener gave example of or teams t doing same, adding why teams are sent abroad during IPL. "Look at programme of 'A' teams of or countries and you will find that y tour overseas only when ir domestic season is t on. How come re is 'A' tour or under-19 tour during two months of IPL?" Gavaskar also praised Virat Kohli-led side for adapting so quickly in New Zealand despite flying in late just after home Australia ODI series. India has taken a 2-0 lead in five-match T20I series and next play on Wednesday in Hamilton.

READ | Sunil Gavaskar calls Kapil Dev his 'Pied Piper of cricket' in emotionally touching speech

READ | Does anyone stay away for that long? Sunil Gavaskar questions MS Dhoni on potential return

(with ncy inputs)