Australian captain Pat Cummins has hinted that he may skip IPL 2027 as he shapes his workload as one of the busiest periods of his career. The Australian team faces a tough calendar next year, starting with a four-Test tour of India before returning home for the historic 150th anniversary Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This will be followed by a high-profile Ashes series and later the ODI World Cup in South Africa. Speaking to Australian newspaper The Age, Cummins admitted that sacrifices may be needed to ensure he stays fresh for Australia’s biggest international assignments. While no decision has been taken on his IPL future, the fast bowler suggested that franchise cricket could be an area where compromise is necessary. “Something has to give at some stage next year, and it won’t be a Test match or an ODI World Cup,” Cummins said. “I’ll make a very close call and work with the franchise to see what makes sense. Things can change. I’ve had some injuries, so I don’t really want to rule anything out,” he added. The Australian captain reiterated that Test cricket and the ODI World Cup are his main focus. Cummins explained, “The priorities for me are always the Test matches and that ODI World Cup. I dare say if I play the All India I need some sort of break before a very tough Ashes series.” The 33-year-old has dealt with injury concerns in recent years, including back problems that have occasionally interrupted his international commitments. As a result, he believes Australia may need to carefully manage its frontline peace attack workload, including Josh Hazlewood And Mitchell StarcBeyond the Ashes. “It’s possible. I think we’re pretty open-minded to anything, as we’ve seen in the last couple of years. “I see a world where we’re potentially dropping some bowlers, even at the back end of an Indian series if they don’t look like they’re playing, to give them extra rest before the Ashes,” Cummins said. Despite the packed schedule, Cummins sees the next 18 months as a potentially defining chapter for the current Australian team. “It’s going to be a big push over the next 18 months or so, but I think we’ll look back on it hopefully and see it as one of the more rewarding periods of our careers,” he said. Cummins missed the first seven matches of IPL 2026 before returning to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad’s campaign. Under his captaincy, SRH reached the playoffs, while Ishan Kishan Filled in as captain during his absence. Hyderabad’s season eventually ended in the eliminators, where they were eliminated. Rajasthan Royals.
