Kamal Ghorui
Pat Cummins has reportedly been offered a major contract extension by Cricket Australia that could see the Australian captain earn close to AUD 4 million annually through to 2029, as global franchise leagues continue to target top international stars.According to reports from the Sydney Morning Herald, the proposed deal would increase Cummins’ earnings by roughly AUD 1 million per year and could be worth nearly AUD 12 million over the next three years if accepted.The move comes amid growing concern within Cricket Australia over the increasing financial pull of franchise cricket. Cummins, along with fellow Australian star Travis Head, was reportedly offered around AUD 10 million last year to step away from international cricket and commit full-time to franchise leagues around the world. Although, both denied the offer and chose national cricket. Cummins was recently ranked among Australia’s highest-paid athletes, with estimated annual earnings between AUD 9-10 million, including his national contract, Indian Premier League salary, and commercial endorsements.Under Cricket Australia’s current agreement structure, the average men’s central contract is valued at just over AUD 1 million annually before match fees, bonuses, and superannuation. However, sources familiar with the negotiations claim Cummins’ proposed extension would include significantly more guaranteed money, regardless of how many matches he plays.The long-term deal would keep Cummins tied to Australian cricket until the age of 36. The fast bowler has already battled injury concerns in recent years and missed almost the entire Ashes summer due to a back issue. While both Cricket Australia and Cummins’ management declined to publicly comment on the negotiations, CA’s head of cricket, James Allsopp, acknowledged the need to better reward the country’s biggest multi-format stars.“They’ve earned the right through long-term performances for Australia across formats,” Allsopp said. “The market pressure is strongest on players who generate the most commercial value. Players like Pat, Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head are in huge demand globally, so keeping them committed to Australian cricket is a major priority.”Australia are set for an extremely demanding international schedule over the next year, potentially playing 21 Test matches in a 12-month period. The calendar includes home series against Bangladesh, New Zealand and England, away tours to South Africa, India and England, as well as a possible appearance in the World Test Championship final.
