Bishan Singh Bedi has come out in support of Sunil Gavaskar's decision to stay away from the Indian Premier League's Governing Council as he's not being paid for his expertise.

"I know Sunil Gavaskar well. He wouldn't have done this for free. And he is right. After being paid Rs one crore, why would you want to do it for free," Bedi told MiD DAY last night.

The former captain slammed the Board for their policy of not paying professionals. "When you are dealing in crores of rupees, why do you want people to do honorary jobs? Former players should be paid and paid handsomely. It is not that the game is in a poor state. There are sponsors galore." Bedi also targeted Board officials, who often boast about working for free. "They get their allowances. Some of them have claimed allowances for 367 days," he said with a chuckle. They cannot shove people, who have been professionals for a long time in the rut of amateurs."