Australian cricket stars Pat Cummins and Travis Head have reportedly turned down massive IPL contract offers worth nearly USD 10 million per year to continue representing their country.
According to Australian media, both players were approached by IPL franchise groups offering full-time T20 league contracts, asking them to prioritize franchise cricket over national duties.
The report revealed that the offers surfaced during recent discussions about the possible privatization of Australia’s Big Bash League, where Cricket Australia’s ongoing financial struggles were also highlighted. The offers made to Cummins and Head were used as examples of how international leagues, including the IPL, are aggressively targeting top Australian players with record-breaking deals.
Despite the tempting figures, both Cummins and Head refused, emphasizing their commitment to Australian cricket. Cummins, who serves as Australia’s Test captain, and Head, the vice-captain, said that representing their country remains their top priority.
Under current national contracts, top Australian cricketers earn around USD 1.5 million per year, while Cummins reportedly earns up to USD 3 million, including bonuses and captaincy allowances. The IPL offer, however, was nearly three times higher, highlighting the growing financial gap between franchise leagues and international cricket.
This isn’t the first time star players have received such offers. In 2023, England fast bowler Jofra Archer was also reportedly offered USD 7.5 million by an IPL team for a single season, which he declined for similar reasons.
The latest incident underscores a major concern for international cricket boards, as global franchise leagues continue to expand their influence and spending power. Cricket experts believe that the battle between national commitment and financial incentives will shape the future of the sport in the years ahead.
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