Pat Cummins (BCCI/IPL photo) Pat Cummins has reportedly been offered a major contract extension by Cricket Australia that could see the Aussie captain earn almost AUD$4 million a year until 2029 as global franchise leagues continue to target top international stars.According to Sydney Morning Herald reports, the proposed deal would increase Cummins’ profits by about AUD 1 million a year and could be worth almost AUD 12 million over the next three years if accepted.
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James Franklin post-match PC: SRH surprised by pitch, celebrates saver Nitish-KlaasenThe move comes amid growing concerns within Cricket Australia about the growing financial drag of franchise cricket. Cummins, along with Australian star Travis Head, were reportedly offered around AUD 10 million last year to leave international cricket and pursue franchise leagues around the world full-time. Though both declined the offer and chose national cricket.Cummins was recently ranked among Australia’s highest-paid athletes, with estimated annual earnings of between AUD 9-10 million, including his national contract, Indian Premier League salary and commercial endorsements.Under Cricket Australia’s current contract structure, the average men’s center contract is valued at just over AUD 1 million per year before match fees, bonuses and pensions. However, sources familiar with the negotiations say Cummins’ proposed extension would include significantly more guaranteed money, regardless of how many games he plays.A long-term deal would keep Cummins tied to Australian cricket until the age of 36. The fast bowler has struggled with injury concerns in recent years and missed almost the entire Ashes summer due to back problems. While both Cricket Australia and Cummins management declined to comment publicly on the negotiations, CA cricket chief James Allsopp acknowledged the need to better reward the country’s biggest stars across formats.“They have earned the right with long-term performances for Australia across formats,” Allsopp said. “The market pressure is strongest on the players who generate the most commercial value. Players like Pat, Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head are in high demand worldwide, so keeping them committed to Australian cricket is a top priority.”Australia are set for an extremely demanding international schedule over the next year, potentially playing 21 Test matches over a 12-month period. The calendar includes home series against Bangladesh, New Zealand and England, away tours to South Africa, India and England, as well as a possible appearance in the World Test Championship final.
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