Australian batsman Pat Cummins has hinted he ‘may not take part in next season of IPL’ to accommodate his tight international schedule that includes many test matches and ODI World Cup.
Cummins, who has been a regular name in the IPL since 2014 and was recently appointed captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad with an annual salary of approximately $1.9 million, said that final decision on his role will be taken closer to the tournament after he has discussions with his franchise.
He said nothing is set in stone at this point, particularly with injury issues in recent weeks and how he’ll handle his workload will be key.
The next twelve months for Australia will be very challenging. The team will face India multiple times this year for their first Test series, and then, in March, will face England in Melbourne for their historic 150th anniversary Test.
This will be followed by a complete Ashes tour of England and training for the ODI World Cup in South Africa later in October and November.
“It’s not something that can be compromised, it’s pretty intense,” said Cummins, adding that Test cricket and the World Cup are the “no-go” areas.
He said he would need a good four or five weeks to get fit before the Ashes series, if he gives the India series his fullest extent.
He also agreed that Australia’s fast-bowling unit may need to be looked after with some judicious caution and may be rested during home matches, including in the upcoming New Zealand series this year.
“The coming year and a half will be very difficult, but could be a fulfilling period of their careers if they work well on it,” Cummins said.
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