Pat Cummins has revealed that playing the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh will come at a significant financial loss for players, as many have had to turn down lucrative franchise league contracts to prioritise national duty.
The series, scheduled for August, sees Bangladesh visiting Australia for the first Test series since 2003. The opening match will be held at Marrara Oval in Darwin on 13 August, with the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay starting on 22 August.
Despite high demand in global franchise leagues, including the IPL and England’s Hundred, players such as Cummins and Travis Head have chosen to focus on the national side. Their decision required them to forgo potentially substantial earnings – reportedly offers of around £500,000 (roughly 8 crore BDT) – to participate in the two-Test series.
Australia’s white-ball specialists, including Tim David, Adam Zampa, and Mitchell Marsh, are taking part in the Hundred, highlighting the stark financial contrast for those prioritising Test cricket. Cummins, alongside Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Cameron Green, did not enter the auction for the tournament, reflecting the players’ commitment to the Australian Test side despite the financial sacrifice.
Speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, Cummins said: “Our players are turning down £500,000 for 20 days’ work simply to play two Tests against Bangladesh. It’s a big financial cost and something that shows the growing tension between franchise cricket and national duty.”
He added: “Of course, many players want to compete in the Ashes. But with the Bangladesh series scheduled at the same time as the Hundred, those who want to play Tests have stepped away from franchise opportunities.”
Cummins also expressed concern about the long-term trend, noting that some international players are increasingly prioritising franchise leagues over national duty. Stars such as Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Heinrich Klaasen have retired from or limited national commitments to focus on global franchise cricket. While Australian cricketers remain motivated to represent their country, Cummins warned that such dedication may not be sustainable indefinitely.
“The reality is that players are still very keen to play for Australia, willing to forego major earnings from leagues like the Hundred. But we cannot assume that the same commitment will hold in the future,” he said.
