Pat Cummins Calls for Dedicated Windows for IPL and Test Cricket
New Delhi: Australia’s Test and ODI captain, Pat Cummins, has voiced the need for a more structured cricket schedule. He emphasized that establishing designated windows for both the IPL and Test cricket would aid players in making better decisions regarding their participation in various formats.
During his speech at the MCC World Cricket Connects 2024, held at Lord’s, Cummins stressed the challenges of the current unrelenting schedule.
Franchise Cricket vs. International Cricket
Cummins highlighted the financial allure of franchise cricket, stating, “Franchise cricket for some countries is more lucrative, more appealing than international cricket. If I went and played franchise cricket, I could probably be away for a half or a third of the amount we are for Australia.”
He also pointed out the benefits of having specific windows for different formats, “In Australia, you know Test cricket is from November to January and basically no other cricket is going to get in the way of us playing Test cricket then. If we can have specific windows for IPL but then also Test windows, that makes the decision-making for the players a lot easier.”
The Reality of Modern Cricket
Meg Lanning, the captain of Australia’s women’s cricket team and multiple World Cup winner, echoed Cummins’ concerns. She believes elite players can no longer juggle both international cricket and league cricket simultaneously. “The reality is in my view that you can’t be playing everything these days, both internationally and domestically as one of the top players. I think it’s too much. And while it might seem fine initially and for a few years, I think it’s just inevitable that you’ll get burnt out doing that,” she said.
Concerns Over Test Cricket’s Future
Cricket Australia Chairman, Mike Baird, discussed the sustainability of Test cricket during the meeting. He raised points about the financial and logistical challenges of maintaining Test cricket, especially for smaller nations. “There was discussion around sharing economics and acknowledgment across the board that larger countries would potentially play a role in that. But there were also questions around how many sustainable Test-playing nations are there?”
Baird emphasized the importance of Test cricket for Australia, “We don’t feel (Cricket Australia) should dictate to any country, but we’re open to ideas and proposals on how to support Test playing full stop. There’s a summer to fill, and white-ball cricket can play a role, but (Test cricket) still remains the dominant game in Australia. It is very clear Australia will support and invest and grow Test cricket opportunities as long as we possibly can,” he concluded.
This collective call for structured scheduling aims to ensure the longevity and quality of both franchise and international cricket, balancing players’ workloads and maintaining the sport’s global appeal.(Dubai7 realmoneygame)