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The focus of cricket’s biggest financial fight has narrowed down to Pat Cummins, after the Australian captain was reportedly given a record 3-year deal worth AUD 12 million by Cricket Australia.

 

The monumental AUD 12 million deal is worth Rs 82 crore and it is seen as Cricket Australia’s best possible counter against the increasing influence of franchise leagues like the Indian Premier League.

 

Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026, has proved to be one of the highest valued cricketers in world cricket once again. However, in the shadows of all the glory, the tussle between national cricket boards and franchise leagues is becoming intense with each season passing.

 

Why Did Cricket Australia Take Such a Bold Step?

 

Sources in Australia claimed that an IPL-connected franchise group had already put forth a staggering AUD 10 million offer for Cummins and teammate Travis Head, which could see them play exclusively for the franchise.

 

However, the players refused the offer and the report added that this alerted the Cricket Australia board.

 

Now, Cricket Australia will want to prevent their biggest assets from slipping away from the national fold, as they have 21 Tests planned over the next 12 months, with the Ashes and World Test Championship tests slated. Cummins is going to be crucial in these series, with his role as captain and leader of the bowling attack being paramount.

 

Under this proposed deal, Cummins will fetch an annual salary of about AUD 4 million which is approximately Rs 27.2 crore per year, a figure which is higher than his rumored earnings from his IPL stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he gets Rs 20.5 crore.

 

CA's Latest Offer vs SRH IPL Earnings

 

Contract	Cricket Australia	SRH (IPL)
Annual Salary	Approx ₹27.2 Crore	₹18 Crore
Total Value	Approx ₹82 Crore (3 Years)	Seasonal Contract
Duration	Until 2029	Annual Retention
Nature of Deal	Long-Term Guaranteed Contract	Franchise-Based Contract

 

Also Read | Cricket Australia Offers Mega Contract to Pat Cummins - Here's What Forced CA To Break the Bank

 

Growing Battle Between International Cricket And IPL

 

For a long time, franchise cricket has quietly been redefining the monetary landscape of cricket. More and more players, from around the globe are earning much more from T20 leagues than what they would from a national contract.

 

Cricket Australia’s recent decision is a clear sign that the international boards are finally prepared to go head to head with franchise finances.

 

The Australian board is also said to be considering long-term deals for players such as Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head, as a part of the bigger plan to secure the Australian spine of players.

 

While the new contract does not restrict Cummins from playing in the IPL, it is expected to allow CA increased leverage to manage workload and franchise involvement in the future.

 

Which could be crucial considering how packed Australia’s international schedule is and it’s only getting bigger.

 

Right now, Cummins is 100% committed to Sunrisers Hyderabad and continues to lead them impressively in IPL 2026, but the record-breaking contract has definitely established one fact, the battle for international cricket against the franchises is now at its peak, and Pat Cummins stands at the forefront.