Pat Cummins Speaks on BCCI’s New Rule Banning Overseas Players for Two Years from IPL

Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, has shared his thoughts on the recent decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that could ban overseas players from the Indian Premier League (IPL) for two years if they pull out after being bought in the auction. The rule applies unless the player has medical or fitness issues. This decision has raised concerns among foreign players, and Cummins, who is also the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), was asked to give his opinion.

Pat Cummins on the New Rule

When asked about the new regulations, Cummins stated that this rule wouldn’t have affected him in the past as he has never pulled out of the IPL after being bought at auction. However, he expressed that Test cricket and World Cup matches are his top priorities. Cummins said, “I’ve never pulled out after being bought, but I understand the importance of balancing commitments. Test cricket is number one for me, and World Cups are also very important.”

Cummins’ IPL Future

Cummins played a crucial role as SRH’s captain in IPL 2024, guiding the team to the finals, where they narrowly lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He was the second most expensive player of the season, being bought for INR 20.50 crore. Despite his success in the tournament, Cummins admitted he is uncertain about his participation in future IPL seasons. He said, “I’ll figure out what makes sense for me in the upcoming seasons.”

Why the Rule Was Introduced

The BCCI introduced this rule after complaints from franchises about overseas players backing out just before the IPL season. This created issues for teams, as they were left without key players at the last minute. The new regulation aims to ensure that once players commit to the league, they follow through with their participation unless there’s a valid reason like injury.

Apart from his IPL commitments, Cummins is also leading the Australian national team in both Test and ODI formats. The 31-year-old fast bowler expressed confidence in his leadership role and stated that he is ready to continue leading the team at least until 2027. “I feel like I can manage it a bit longer than I initially thought,” Cummins said.

What’s Next for Cummins

Cummins is preparing to lead Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India in the upcoming season. His focus remains on maintaining top form in Test cricket, and he hinted that his captaincy journey could extend until the 2027 World Cup. However, he was clear that he won’t be around forever, saying, “2027 is the big goal, but it’s a long way off.”

Cummins will also take part in domestic cricket, playing in the Sheffield Shield to stay prepared for the upcoming red-ball season. As for his future in the IPL, while he remains a valuable asset, it is yet to be seen if SRH will retain him for the next season.