Lucrative IPL deals stopped Australian players from sledging, says Sehwag

Former India opener believes visiting players would’ve known repercussions of any on-field incident

Outspoken former India opener Virendar Sehwag has sparked a new controversy by claiming that lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts stopped Australian players from sledging in the ODI series against India.

The Kangaroos were thrashed by Virat Kohli-led side 4-1 in the recently concluded five-match series, and unlike the previous heated contests between the two sides, the series ended without any incident.

Sehwag — who represented the Men in Blue in 104 Tests, 251 ODIs and 19 T20Is — while talking to India TV, said Australian players would’ve known that any on-field incident can prevent IPL teams from bidding higher for their services.

“They [Australian players] are scared because of next year’s mega IPL auctions,” said Sehwag.  “If they had sledged the Indian players in the ODI series, then the Indian franchise owners might have though twice before bidding high for Australian players. This can also be a reason for them not being involved in sledging with their Indian counterparts.”

Sehwag, who is famous for his aggressive batting style, is also known for his controversial remarks.