In a time when global T20 leagues throw around massive sums, two Australian stars have chosen loyalty over money. Pat Cummins and Travis Head turned down a ₹58 crore per year offer from a franchise that wanted them to quit international cricket. Their decision shows that the Baggy Green still means more than any paycheque.
Loyalty Over Money
As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, both players were offered AUD 10 million (about ₹58 crore) each year. They declined politely and confirmed their commitment to Cricket Australia and the national team.
IPL and National Earnings
Cummins and Head currently play for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL. Cummins earns ₹18 crore a season, while Head makes ₹14 crore. In addition, Australia’s top cricketers earn about AUD 1.5 million (₹8.7 crore) from central contracts. As captain, Cummins takes home roughly AUD 3 million (₹17.5 crore) annually.
Big Bash League Talks
This development comes as Cricket Australia, state boards, and the players’ union discuss privatising the Big Bash League (BBL). The move aims to bring in private investors, raise salaries, and strengthen the league financially.
Rising Competition from Global Leagues
Officials fear that without better pay, players will move to richer franchise leagues. The concern deepened after Heinrich Klaasen, a teammate of Cummins and Head at SRH, retired from international cricket in June to focus on global T20 leagues.
The Bigger Picture
The situation exposes how difficult it is for cricket boards to retain top players. Even with strong salaries, international cricketers earn less than athletes in other privately funded sports.
Pride in the Baggy Green
For now, Cummins and Head have made their stance clear country comes first. Their choice has earned praise from fans and players worldwide as a powerful statement of pride and loyalty.
What It Means for Cricket’s Future
The message is simple: if cricket boards want to keep their stars, they must make international cricket as rewarding as league cricket. For Cummins and Head, it’s not just about the money it’s about what representing your country truly means.
