Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is treating fans to a steady stream of high-stakes finishes and spectacular performances. However, a growing concern has begun to overshadow the excitement, which is the excessive length of the matches. Originally conceptualised as a concise format designed to conclude within three hours, the current season has seen games regularly dragging on for over four hours, causing fatigue and waning interest among the fanbase.
The pace of play crisis in IPL 2026
Despite the BCCI’s attempts to combat slow over-rates through financial penalties and potential match bans for captains, these measures have largely failed to curb the delays. The issue reached an extreme during the match between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI), which set a season record by lasting a grueling 4 hours and 22 minutes. This persistent trend has turned what should be an adrenaline-fueled experience into an endurance test for spectators.
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Sunil Gavaskar not happy with growing slow over-rates in IPL matches
In response to these mounting delays, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has offered a potential solution. Concerned by the lack of pace, the former India captain has urged the BCCI to strictly limit the presence of support staff and reserve players on the field of play. By restricting access, Gavaskar believes the league can protect the integrity of the playing environment and effectively streamline the game, ensuring it remains as fast-paced as the T20 format was intended to be.
"Often, one sees the unnecessary sight of reserve players stepping onto the ground to give a bottle of water to a fielder near the boundary. That should not be allowed, as it effectively means more than 11 players on the field while play is on, even if it is between deliveries. During strategic time-outs too, one often sees half a dozen people on the field, including batters who are yet to come in. That is taking liberties too far. Apart from two reserve players carrying drinks and two members of the coaching staff, nobody else should be allowed on the ground," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day.
Building on his call for stricter oversight, Gavaskar emphasised the necessity of maintaining on-field discipline, drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom of legendary commentator Richie Benaud. He believes that restoring a sense of urgency and professional conduct among the players is essential to addressing the lethargic pace of modern cricket matches.
Furthermore, Gavaskar proposed specific logistical adjustments to minimise downtime whenever a wicket falls. He observed that many batters now opt to wait in the dugout rather than the dressing room, which often leads to unnecessary delays as they make their way to the crease.
"As Richie Benaud once told me at the start of my broadcasting career, the ground is a sacred place and should be entered only by those officiating and those playing. This is why, if I am not doing a pitch report or a TV show, I rarely step onto the field. Hopefully, the BCCI will also ensure that committee members with all-access accreditation do not cross the boundary. Please maintain the sanctity of the playing area," he added.
"Since all batters are already in the dugout, the allowance of two minutes can be reduced to one minute. If a batter is still not ready to face the bowler, then after a couple of warnings, penalty runs should be imposed," Gavaskar concluded.