Pat Cummins Considers Skipping IPL for Upcoming Test Season

Australia's cricket captain Pat Cummins is considering skipping the upcoming IPL to concentrate on a challenging Test season and prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup. With a packed schedule of 21 Tests in the next year, including tough away matches, Cummins emphasizes the need for strategic breaks to maintain performance. He acknowledges the importance of managing the workload of the pace bowling trio, ensuring they are fit for crucial series ahead. As he gears up for the next phase of his career, Cummins remains focused on achieving success for Australia in both Test and ODI formats.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2026, 13:59 IST

Australia's Captain Weighs IPL Participation

Pat Cummins, the captain of the Australian cricket team, has suggested that he might forgo participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) to focus on a demanding Test season and prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup. After playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the latter part of their season, which concluded with an eliminator match, Cummins is back in Australia. He aims to rejuvenate himself ahead of the next Test series against Bangladesh scheduled for August.

Challenging Year Ahead

The next year will see Cummins involved in a rigorous schedule of 21 Tests over 12 months, with the qualification for the ICC World Test Championship final on the line. The team faces tough away matches against South Africa, India, and England, culminating in the ODI World Cup in 2027. Notably, March 2027 will mark the 150th anniversary Test between Australia and England. The IPL is set to take place before the Ashes series in England, which Australia is eager to win, having not secured a series victory there since 2021.

'Something Has to Give'

Cummins expressed concerns about the toll a full five-match Test series against India could take, indicating he might need a break before the Ashes. He stated, "Something has got to give at some stage next year, and it is not going to be Test matches or an ODI World Cup." He plans to make a decision closer to the time and will collaborate with the franchise to determine the best course of action, acknowledging that circumstances can change due to injuries.

Managing the Pace Bowlers' Workload

The management of the aging pace trio, including Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, will be crucial during the demanding Test and ODI schedule. They may be rested during a home series against New Zealand in December and January. Cummins remarked, "Yeah, it is possible. I think we are fairly open-minded to anything, as we have seen over the last couple of years." He emphasized that whether a Test is home or away, the challenges remain similar, and the team will need more than three fast bowlers.

Looking Ahead

Cummins envisions a scenario where bowlers might be rested towards the end of the Indian series to ensure they are fresh for the Ashes. After participating in only one Ashes Test following the ICC World Test Championship final last year, he noted that he is "feeling a lot more fresher." He concluded by stating, "It is going to be a big push the next 18 months or so, but I think we will look back on it hopefully and see it as one of the more rewarding periods of our career."