'I don't want to lock in anything': Cummins hints at missing IPL 2027 amid hectic schedule
Sydney, June 3
Australia captain Pat Cummins has indicated that he could sit out IPL 2027 as he looks to manage his workload during what promises to be an intense period for Australian cricket.
Australia are scheduled for a four-Test tour of India at the start of the year before taking part in the 150th anniversary Test against England in Melbourne. The team will then head into a demanding Ashes campaign, followed by the ODI World Cup in southern Africa later in the year.
Speaking to Australian daily 'The Age', Cummins said Australia's packed schedule next year may force him to make difficult choices, with Test cricket and the ODI World Cup remaining his top priorities and no final decision has been made regarding his availability for the tournament and that discussions with the franchise will take place closer to the event.
"Something has got to give at some stage next year, and it's not going to be test matches or an ODI World Cup," Cummins said. "I will make a call a lot closer and work with the franchise to see what makes sense. Things can change. I've had a couple of injuries pop up, so I don't really want to lock in anything," he added.
The fast bowler stressed that representing Australia in Test cricket and the 50-over World Cup would take precedence over franchise commitments.
"The priorities for me are always the Test matches and that ODI World Cup. I dare say if I play all of India, I need some sort of break before a pretty gruelling Ashes series," Cummins explained.
Cummins has previously dealt with injury concerns, including a back issue that affected parts of his international schedule. The Australian skipper also suggested that workload management could extend to other senior quicks, including Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, during parts of Australia's home season.
"It's possible. I think we're fairly open-minded to anything, as we've seen over the last couple of years. I see a world where we're potentially winding some bowlers down, even say at the back end of an Indian series if they don't look like they're going to play, to give them an extra rest ahead of the Ashes," Cummins said.
Despite the demanding calendar, Cummins believes the upcoming stretch could become one of the defining periods for the current Australian side.
"It's going to be a big push the next 18 months or so, but I think we'll look back on it hopefully and see it as one of the more rewarding periods of our career," he said.
Meanwhile, Cummins missed the opening seven matches of IPL 2026 and then led the team to the playoffs. Ishan Kishan, who took over the leadership duties in his absence, will again be the forerunner to replace him as the captain if the Australian great misses out.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm not surprised. Cummins has always prioritized Australia first. But IPL franchises invest crores in players - they should have some clause or backup plan for such situations. Ishan Kishan as captain again? That could be interesting for the franchise.
Respect to Cummins for being honest. The Ashes and India tour are grueling - you can't expect a fast bowler to bowl 150 overs in Tests and then immediately jump into IPL. Cricket boards need to sort out this calendar mess. Players aren't robots.
Interesting how Australian players can skip IPL for national duty but Indian players get criticised if they prioritise domestic cricket. Double standards? 🤔 Anyway, Cummins is a legend for putting country first. Hope his body holds up through that packed 2027 schedule.
As an IPL fan, I'll miss seeing Cummins bowl those yorkers. But honestly, the ICC should create a proper calendar with designated windows for franchise leagues. 2027 is going to be insane - India Tests, Ashes, World Cup... Cummins is right, something has to give.
I get his point about workload, but IPL franchises plan their seasons around key players. If Cummins knew about his priorities, maybe he shouldn't have signed the contract? Or at least include escape clauses. This sort of last-minute decision making isn't fair to the team or fans.
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