Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test and ODI captain, has reportedly been offered a lucrative long-term contract by Cricket Australia aimed at securing his availability for national duty, with Test cricket remaining the top priority through 2029.
According to reports, Cricket Australia has tabled a three-year deal worth approximately $12 million, which would see Cummins earn around $4 million annually. His teammate at Sunrisers Hyderabad, Travis Head, is also expected to receive a similar offer.
The proposed deal would significantly boost Cummins’ earnings, increasing his annual salary by nearly $1 million. The 32-year-old, who currently earns ₹18 crore per season in the Indian Premier League, is reportedly among the top-earning athletes in Australia.
Cricket Australia’s Head of Cricket, James Allsopp, acknowledged the growing financial pull of franchise leagues and stressed the need to reward top performers.
“Absolutely. They’ve earned the right. They’ve been long-term performers for Australia across formats for a long period of time. There’s only so far you can take them under the current constraints. That’s definitely a priority at the moment,” Allsopp said.
He also highlighted the increasing global demand for multi-format players.
“It is a really tricky balancing act. Market pressure is strongest on players who drive the most commercial value. Multi-format players like Pat, Josh [Hazlewood] and Travis are in high demand, so ensuring they remain committed to Australian cricket is a major priority,” he added.
The new contract is also believed to guarantee Cummins a higher base payout, regardless of the number of matches he plays.
The timing of the offer is significant, with Australia set for a demanding international schedule that includes 21 Test matches over the next 12 months. This includes home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, along with away tours to England, South Africa and India.
Notably, Cummins and Head had reportedly turned down offers worth $10 million last year to step away from international cricket and focus exclusively on T20 leagues, underlining their continued commitment to representing Australia.
