In 2025, Australian cricket stars Pat Cummins and Travis Head were reportedly offered a huge Rs 58 crore each by an IPL team to leave international cricket and play only in T20 leagues. The news surprised cricket fans around the world, showing how much money T20 leagues can offer and raising concerns about the future of international cricket.
The Jaw-Dropping Offer
The IPL franchise reportedly made the offer during discussions about global T20 leagues and the rising salaries of top players. The deal asked Cummins and Head to quit playing for Australia and dedicate themselves entirely to franchise cricket.
The amount on the table, Rs 58 crore per player, roughly $10 million, is significantly higher than what most international players earn annually. While the offer was extremely tempting, both players declined it, prioritizing their international careers over financial gains.
Earnings and IPL Involvement
Pat Cummins and Travis head are among the big earners of the IPL. In the 2025 IPL season Cummins was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad at ₹18 crore, and Head for ₹14 crore. Adding their Cricket Australia contracts, Cummins, as captain, earns roughly ₹26 crore, with Head slightly behind. Such figures demonstrate how lucrative franchise cricket can be, occasionally surpassing national team pay.
The Rise of T20 League
This situation highlights the growing influence of T20 leagues on world cricket. Many players get drawn to franchise cricket because of the money and opportunities it offers. Players like South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen have already decided to leave international cricket behind and only play leagues. All these things put cricket boards in a very tough spot as they try to keep their top players for the national tournaments.
The IPL and other T20 leagues give players big paychecks, brand endorsements and global fame, also a lighter workload than international cricket. These offers particularly attract those players who are in their late twenties and thirties. Despite all this still Cummins and Head chose to put Australia first, emphasising their loyalty to their national team.
Also read: Ranji Trophy: Karnataka announces 15 member squad for 2025–26 season
Impact on International Cricket
The huge offers made to Pat Cummins and Travis Head are a clear wake-up call for cricket boards all around. T20 leagues have boosted the sport’s popularity and financial growth, they also pose a serious challenge to the prominence of international cricket. To keep fans invested in the match and players motivated, boards must strike the right balance between pay, scheduling, and national representation.
Conclusion
The offer worth Rs 58 crore which was offered to Pat Cummins and Travis Head highlights how financially dominant franchise cricket has become. While Cummins and Head chose country over cash, the situation underlines the growing tension between representing one’s nation and pursuing financial rewards.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
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