Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Pat Cummins has been released by the franchise ahead of the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), citing international commitments. The franchise re-bought him for a lesser sum in the previous mega auction.
With the added responsibility of the ODI and Test captaincy and given that both the Ashes and ODI will take place next year, Cummins would like to ensure that he is fully fit for Australia. While speaking to SEN1170 The Run Home, he said:
“There’s just so much cricket in the next 12 months really, that was the deciding factor, we’ve got 15 Test matches, hopefully, we make the test world championship finals. There’s plenty of ODIs, then the ODI World Cup, if I played that I wouldn’t get much of a break so try and pinch some time at home.”
“In the past I made decisions on wanting to be physically fresh, being captain that has added the element of trying to be mentally fresh with decision-making and trying to be up for it.
Thanks so much to @KKRiders for their understanding. Such a terrific team of players and staff and I hope I can get back there ASAP 💜💜
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) November 14, 2022
“There’s a small little window when I am captain and have these amazing series that we are going to be a part of next year, it’s one of those things that you don’t want to look back on at the end of your career and think you didn’t give it a crack,” he added.
Australia have a tight schedule in coming months
Australia has a long, tight-packed summer ahead, which will begin with the ODI series versus England on November 17, followed by two Tests versus West Indies and three Tests against South Africa. The team will also tour India for a four-match series.
The England series will mark the debut of Pat Cummins, the captain, ahead of next year’s 50-over World Cup.
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