Pat Cummins has reportedly locked in his next IPL contract with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, the IPL 2024 runners-up have decided to extend their association with the Australian longer formats skipper by offering him a deal worth 18 crore.
While some fans would laud Cummins for accepting a pay cut and settling for a salary of 18 crore because his salary in the previous season was 20.50 crore, here are three reasons why SRH retaining Cummins for 18 crore is the wrong move.
1. Pat Cummins could have been bought for a cheaper price at the IPL 2025 Auction
The simplest reason why retaining Cummins for 18 crore does not make much sense is because the Australian all-rounder could have been bought for a cheaper price at the auction. It is pertinent to note that unlike IPL 2024, IPL 2025 will have a mega auction.
The prices of the star players generally tend to go up in mini auctions due to lack of supply. However, that is not the case in the mega auction. Hence, SRH could have snapped up Cummins for a price of around 15 crore maximum.
2. Cummins may prefer Ashes over IPL
Cummins, like many Australian players, may prefer playing for country over the IPL. He will not think twice if he has to skip the IPL for the Ashes or even an important 50-over tournament if it happens immediately after the IPL. Thus, relying on such a player may not be best for the team.
3. Cummins has been an injury-prone player
Another reason why SRH cannot afford to spend 18 crore on Cummins is because he has been an injury-prone player. He has suffered injuries in the past regularly, and if he gets injured during any of the upcoming three cycles, then it will derail Hyderabad’s plans.
