A recent on-field spat between England opener Zak Crawley and India’s Shubman Gill during the Lord’s Test has sparked a significant debate, with cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar suggesting the absence of English players from the Indian Premier League (IPL) might be fueling the animosity between the two sides.
Tensions Flare at Lord’s
The high-voltage drama unfolded in the dying moments of Day 3 of the Test. England’s Zak Crawley was accused of time-wasting, a tactic that limited India to just one over instead of the two they had hoped to bowl.
Visibly annoyed, India’s captain Shubman Gill ran from the slips. He hurled verbal remarks at Crawley and Ben Duckett, pointing fingers and mock-clapping at Crawley. The English openers stood their ground, reciprocating the fiery exchange.
Gavaskar Links Spat to IPL Absence
Following the incident, batting great Sunil Gavaskar offered his unique perspective. He suggested that the lack of English players participating in the IPL could be a significant factor contributing to the ongoing animosity between the two cricketing nations.
“There is a reason why this happened. That’s because not a lot of England players are competing in the IPL,” Gavaskar stated on air. He specifically mentioned Joe Root and Ben Stokes, noting their absence from the league.
How IPL Fosters Camaraderie
Gavaskar elaborated on his theory, explaining that the IPL allows players from different countries to mix, travel, and share changing rooms. This close interaction, he believes, builds camaraderie and reduces on-field friction when these players face each other in international matches.
He pointed out that players from other nations who regularly feature in the IPL often show less animosity towards Indian cricketers during international games. This contrasts sharply with the intensity often seen between India and England, which he attributes to fewer English players being part of the IPL circuit.
Gamesmanship Under the Spotlight
The veteran cricketer also touched upon the “gamesmanship” displayed by England. He acknowledged Crawley’s right to call a physio for pain, stating it’s an individual call. However, he also subtly suggested that Indian batters could adopt similar tactical approaches themselves.
This debate highlights the evolving nature of international cricket rivalries, where global T20 leagues might be playing an unexpected role in shaping on-field relationships.
- A heated exchange occurred between Zak Crawley and Shubman Gill during the Lord’s Test.
- Sunil Gavaskar believes the animosity stems from fewer English players participating in the IPL.
- Gavaskar suggests IPL involvement fosters camaraderie, reducing on-field tensions between international teams.
The incident at Lord’s has certainly added another layer of intrigue to the India-England cricketing rivalry, prompting discussions about the broader impact of T20 leagues on international relations.
