Beckenham: Australia captain Pat Cummins has highlighted the shifting dynamics in cricket due to the Indian Premier League (IPL), stating that the tournament has ended the monopoly of international cricket on players' time. Cummins believes that persuading players to prioritize national duty over franchise cricket will become increasingly challenging in the future.
Expressing his views ahead of the World Test Championship Final against India at The Oval, Cummins acknowledged the impact of the IPL over the past decade, bringing more content and opportunities that compete with international cricket for players' attention. He emphasized the need for Australia to make playing for the national team a special and appealing experience in order to retain players' commitment.
"International cricket doesn't have a monopoly on players' time, like it did in the past. The IPL changed that a decade ago, but there's just going to be more and more content that creeps in, so I think we've got to be proactive about that," Cummins told Sydney Morning Herald as quoted by PTI.
Looking ahead, Cummins anticipates that cricket may follow the model of football, where national teams require clearances from franchises for players to represent their country. He acknowledged that players may opt for franchise opportunities, and it is crucial to continue emphasizing the significance of playing for Australia. Flexibility will be key in optimizing player availability while ensuring the best talent is available for major tournaments.
Cummins also praised the World Test Championship (WTC) for adding context to bilateral Test series. He expressed his excitement for Australia's first WTC Final against India and highlighted the significance of the match. The WTC provides a greater sense of purpose and elevates the importance of every series, giving players an additional incentive to perform.
In conclusion, Cummins emphasized the evolving landscape of cricket and the need to adapt to the changing priorities of players. The IPL has reshaped the cricketing landscape, and as the sport moves towards a more globalized model, countries must find ways to keep international cricket relevant and appealing to players in the face of competing interests.
(With Inputs From PTI)