The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is facing criticism for the excessive duration of its matches, often exceeding four hours, which is contrary to the T20 format's intention of completing games in about three hours. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar highlighted this issue, particularly referencing the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians that lasted a record 4 hours and 22 minutes. Gavaskar called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take action by limiting the number of support staff and reserve players allowed on the field during matches. He noted that the presence of reserve players delivering drinks contributes to unnecessary delays, effectively increasing the number of individuals on the field. Gavaskar also suggested reducing the time allowed for batters to be ready, proposing that the current two-minute allowance should be cut to one minute, with penalty runs imposed for delays. He stressed the importance of preserving the integrity of the playing area, echoing the sentiments of legendary commentator Richie Benaud about the sacredness of the cricket field.