The newly-appointed Australia's ODI captain and Ashes-winning skipper, Pat Cummins on November 15 (Tuesday) announced that he will not be participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) next year. The news comes a day after England's wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings pulled out of IPL 2023 in order to focus on County cricket. Cummins took to Twitter and said that his decision is influenced by Australia's packed schedule in 2023 and he wants to be in supreme shape for the Ashes and the ODI World Cup.
"I’ve made the difficult decision to miss next year’s IPL," Cummins said on social media.
"The international schedule is packed with Tests and ODIs for the next 12 months, so will take some rest ahead of an Ashes series and World Cup.
“Thanks so much to @KKRiders for their understanding. Such a terrific team of players and staff and I hope I can get back there ASAP,” he added.
Cummins was purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a whopping amount of Rs 7.25 crore in the mega auction earlier in the year. The right-arm pacer played five matches for the two-time champions in IPL 2022, finishing the campaign with seven wickets. He also played a pivotal role with the bat on a couple of occasions, including a scintillating knock of 50 runs in 14 deliveries against the Mumbai Indians.
When it comes to Australia's schedule for next year, the Baggy Greens are slated to play the Border-Gavaskar series against India, the Ashes against England in June and the ODI World Cup in October and November. Looking at the amount of cricket, Cummins' decision to pull out of the cash-rich tournament doesn't come as a surprise, especially now that he has been given keys to the ODI team as well.
Meanwhile, KKR have lost two key overseas players for the IPL 2023.
