Overview

• An IPL ownership group with stakes across multiple leagues informally made the approaches this year, and reports did not identify a specific franchise.
• Cricket Australia, state associations and the players’ union have discussed the offers during deliberations on bringing private capital into the BBL, with no decisions announced.
• Both Pat Cummins and Travis Head signalled continued commitment to Australia, with Head saying he does not foresee playing other leagues beyond existing commitments while on national duty.
• Top Australian central contracts are about A$1.5 million a year, with Cummins earning roughly A$3 million including his captaincy stipend; their IPL deals with Sunrisers Hyderabad are valued at roughly Rs 18 crore (Cummins) and Rs 14 crore (Head).
• The episode highlights the franchise economy’s pull, following Heinrich Klaasen’s move to franchise-only cricket in 2025 and a similar year-round offer reportedly rejected by Jofra Archer in 2023.