Sunil Gavaskar hoping for controversy-free IPL

Sunil Gavaskar

Interim BCCI president and Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who is currently in Dubai to oversee the IPL related activities with the tournament scheduled to begin on April 16, has stated that he hopes this year’s IPL remains controversy-free.

Gulfnews quoted him as saying, “After the final on June 2, I want people to remember it for the quality of competition and nothing else. I am deeply humbled at the Indian Supreme Court’s directive to appoint me in this post and I want the league to be as controversy-free as possible.”

On the issue of Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings being allowed to play the league despite allegations of their owners being involved in betting, he further added: “It’s the Supreme Court’s decision and we abide by it.”

Gavaskar was refreshingly honest when asked about the concerns with the United Arab Emirates hosting the first leg of the IPL 7. He said that in addition to the controversies surrounding the league, the state of the wickets in the three venues –  Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah – which are known to assist spin bowling way more than they should for a T20 game remains an issue to worry that.  He added: “I have stressed the need of good wickets in all three venues as it’s the pre-requisite for a good contest.”