‘Only Australians can do it’: Ex-India cricketer reacts to Pat Cummins, Travis Head turning down massive payday reports | Cricket News
Australian stars Pat Cummins and Travis Head reportedly turned down a staggering Rs 58 crore offer to quit international cricket and focus solely on franchise leagues, a decision that has sparked widespread discussion in the cricketing world. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on the news during a video on his YouTube channel. Chopra noted that only players with the security and stature of Cummins and Head can afford to refuse such massive deals. Both cricketers remain key figures for Australia across all formats, while also enjoying huge recognition in franchise cricket. In the Indian Premier League, they play for SunRisers Hyderabad and were retained for hefty sums in the 2024 mega-auction. “I’m not entirely sure how credible the reports are, but it’s being said that Cummins and Head declined this offer. Given the scale, it’s likely coming from an IPL franchise, since these organisations also own teams in most of the major T20 leagues worldwide, except the BBL,” Chopra explained. The former cricketer highlighted the stark contrast in choices available to players from different countries. For instance, many West Indian cricketers might find it impossible to turn down such opportunities, given the financial instability that has plagued West Indies cricket for decades. Numerous talented players from the Caribbean have chosen to prioritise lucrative franchise contracts over international duty. Nicholas Pooran, a trailblazer in T20 batting, recently retired from international cricket to focus solely on leagues around the world.
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Chopra said the offer to Head and Cummins underscores the privilege and financial security that top Australian cricketers enjoy. “The contract is enormous, but the Australians can afford to say no. For West Indian players, it would be a very different story. They don’t have the same sense of national identity — there’s no anthem echoing when the West Indies take the field,” he added. The rumours about such massive deals bring attention to a growing trend in global cricket. With bilateral series attracting smaller crowds and decreasing commercial appeal, some are questioning whether cricket will eventually mirror football, where franchise leagues dominate the sport. As these leagues continue to expand in popularity and financial clout, international cricket faces the challenge of reinventing itself to stay relevant in a more commercialised sporting world.
