India, June 10 -- Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has come out strongly in defence of the IPL, pushing back against criticism directed at the tournament during and after the 2026 season. Several former cricketers questioned the growing preference for franchise cricket over the traditional format, particularly in England. Much of the debate centred around Jofra Archer, who chose to remain with Rajasthan Royals for the IPL playoffs and missed England's first Test against New Zealand.

Jacob Bethell also found himself under scrutiny earlier in the season when he struggled for game time, with Alastair Cook suggesting he would have been better served returning to county cricket to prepare for the red-ball summer. Meanwhile, former players includ...