The tug of war between national boards and global T20 franchises has reached a record-breaking tipping point. On Thursday, reports emerged from Australia that Cricket Australia (CA) has offered captain Pat Cummins a staggering 12 million AUD (approximately ₹66 crore) multi-year contract. The timing of this offer is particularly sensitive as Cummins is currently leading Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to the top of the IPL 2026 points table.
While the deal is officially framed as a “reward for loyalty,” many insiders believe it is a strategic move to ensure Cummins reduces its franchise commitments. With ₹66 crore on the table for just three years of national duty, the cricketing world is buzzing with one question: will Pat Cummins eventually ditch his lucrative IPL career for the stability of a record national contract?
Why Is Cricket Australia Offering Pat Cummins ₹66 Crore To Stay Away From IPL?
The primary motivation behind this unprecedented ₹66 crore offer is the growing “poaching” threat from global T20 franchises. Last year, reports surfaced that an IPL-affiliated franchise group offered Cummins a $10 million AUD deal to become a full-time freelancer, which would have required him to retire from international cricket. To counter this, Cricket Australia’s Head of Cricket, James Allsopp, has moved to offer “market-leading” remuneration.
With Australia facing a gruelling schedule of 21 Test matches in the next 12 months, CA needs its captain to be physically and mentally fresh. By offering a salary that matches or exceeds IPL earnings, CA hopes to ensure that Cummins remains a “Test first” cricketer rather than a T20 wanderer.
Pat Cummins’ $12 Million Baggy Green Deal vs IPL 2026 Earnings — Full Comparison
| Cricket Australia Deal (Proposed) | Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL 2026) | |
| Annual Salary | ₹22 Crore (Approx $4M AUD) | ₹18 Crore (Retained) |
| Total Value | ₹66 Crore (3-Year Deal) | Season-to-Season |
| Contract Duration | Until 2029 (Age 36) | Annual Retention |
| Financial Security | Guaranteed Multi-Year Payout | Match-Based / Seasonal |
Will Pat Cummins Leave Sunrisers Hyderabad For Long-Term Australia Security?
The million-dollar question—or rather the ₹66 crore question—is whether Cummins will actually “ditch” the Orange Army. While the contract doesn’t explicitly force him to leave Sunrisers Hyderabad, it grants Cricket Australia more leverage over his No Objection Certificates (NOCs). If Cummins commits to the Baggy Green until he is 36, his primary responsibility will be the 2026-27 Ashes and the World Test Championship.
If the workload becomes too heavy, the SRH management might find their captain unavailable for full seasons or forced to exit early to prepare for national duties. For a leader who has revitalised the Hyderabad franchise, this long-term security with Australia might eventually lead to a gradual exit from the exhausting IPL cycle.
