Australia Offers Pat Cummins Massive $12 Million Deal to Skip IPL

Cricket Australia has reportedly offered Australian captain Pat Cummins a long-term contract worth $12 million in an effort to keep the country’s biggest stars committed to international cricket instead of overseas T20 leagues.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Cummins has been offered a three-year contract extension valued at $4 million per year, which would keep him tied to Australian cricket through 2029.

Australian opener Travis Head is also reportedly in discussions over a similar deal. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne has also been offered a three-year contract despite recent speculation surrounding his place in Australia’s Test team.

Cricket Australia chief of cricket James Allsopp said the country’s top players deserved greater financial rewards and long-term security. “Absolutely. They’ve earned the right, they’ve been long-term performers for Australia across formats for a long period of time,” Allsopp said.

“There’s only so far you can take them under the current constraints. That’s definitely a priority at the moment.”

The reported contract offers come as Australia prepares for a demanding international schedule, with up to 21 Test matches expected over a 12-month stretch beginning in August.

Pat Cummins recently dealt with injury concerns and played only one of Australia’s five Ashes Tests this summer because of a back injury. He also missed the recent T20 World Cup campaign in the subcontinent.

Last year, the The Sydney Morning Herald also reported that an Indian Premier League (IPL) ownership group offered Pat Cummins and Travis Head approximately $10 million to give up international cricket and focus entirely on franchise leagues.

Both Australian players reportedly rejected the proposal. England fast bowler Jofra Archer was also said to have received a similar offer.

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia’s plan to privatize the Big Bash League (BBL) by selling stakes in all eight franchises to private investors has reportedly been paused after Queensland Cricket joined New South Wales in opposing the proposed $600 million deal.

As a result, Cummins is unlikely to feature in the BBL anytime soon, while Cricket Australia may face increasing challenges in raising player salaries, especially for domestic cricketers.

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