Australian captain Pat Cummins has opted to withdraw from next year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament, citing a packed international schedule including an Ashes series and ODI World Cup.
The 29-year-old has been part of the competition since 2014, playing for both the Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils, but will miss the 2023 edition after announcing the news via social media.
Cummins – who recently took part in Australia’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign – will instead focus on his duties for the Aussies in the next 12 months.
Australia will spend plenty of time away from home in 2023, playing an away Ashes series against England in the middle of next year, before heading to India for the ODI World Cup in October.
MORE: T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament
In a post on Twitter, Cummins revealed he would skip the IPL and thanked Kolkata for their understanding.
“I’ve made the difficult decision to miss next years IPL,” he said.
“The international schedule is packed with Tests and ODI’s for the next 12 months, so will take some rest ahead of an Ashes series and World Cup.
“Thanks so much to Kolkata Knight Riders for their understanding. Such a terrific team of players and staff and I hope I can get back there ASAP.”
I’ve made the difficult decision to miss next years IPL. The international schedule is packed with Tests and ODI’s for the next 12 months, so will take some rest ahead of an Ashes series and World Cup. pic.twitter.com/Iu0dF73zOW
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) November 14, 2022
Cummins will be tasked with taking over Australia’s 50-over side imminently, following the recent retirement of long-standing captain Aaron Finch.
MORE: “Get summer sport ready with up to 50% off this Sizzling Summer sale at Barbeques Galore”
The right-arm quick will have his first challenge as ODI skipper when they take on England in a three-match series beginning on Wednesday.
