Pat Cummins is leading the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. (Image: Reuters)

Cummins offered 4 million dollar deal by Cricket Australia to rival IPL's big bucks

Pat Cummins has reportedly been offered a 4 million Australian dollar annual contract by Cricket Australia as the board looks to counter the growing financial pull of IPL and franchise cricket.

07 May 2026, 06:52 by Amar Sunil Panicker · India Today

In Short

Pat Cummins has reportedly been offered a contract extension until 2029 by Cricket Australia
Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green are also set for pay rises
Cricket Australia wants to protect its stars from the growing pull of franchise cricket

Pat Cummins has reportedly been offered a lucrative contract extension by Cricket Australia that could raise his annual earnings to around 4 million Australian dollars (Rs 22 crore approx.) per year as the governing body looks to counter the growing financial power of franchise cricket and the IPL.

According to a report by Australian outlet The Age, Cummins has been offered a deal until 2029 that could be worth close to 12 million Australian dollars (Rs 66 crore approx.) over three years if signed.

The proposed extension would reportedly increase the Australia captain’s salary by around 1 million Australian dollars annually ahead of a demanding international schedule that could see Australia play 21 Tests in a 12-month period.

Cummins, who captains Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, was retained by the franchise for Rs 18 crore ahead of the season.

The report also stated that Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green are among the Australian players expected to receive improved deals.

Under Cricket Australia’s current memorandum of understanding, the average men’s retainer is slightly above 1 million Australian dollars annually before match fees and superannuation. Cummins’ proposed contract is also expected to include more guaranteed money regardless of how much cricket he plays.

By the time the deal expires in 2029, Cummins will be 36 years old.

PRESSURE TO KEEP UP WITH IPL?

Cricket Australia head of cricket James Allsopp admitted the governing body was facing increasing pressure from the franchise market, especially for players capable of performing across formats.

“It is a really tricky balancing act. One thing we do know is that the market pressure is coming at the players who drive the most commercial value,” Allsopp said.

“Your multi-format players like Pat, Josh [Hazlewood] and Trav, there’s a lot of demand for those players. So ensuring they remain committed to Australian cricket is a really big priority.”

Allsopp also stressed the importance of rewarding players who continue to attract television audiences and spectators.

“There’s a world now, where they can jump on the franchise circuit and make a really good living away from Australian cricket, or even away from our BBL, and that’s not going to be in the best interests of Australian cricket,” he added.

- Ends