Pat Cummins Cricket Australia has reportedly offered a massive contract extension that could see the Aussie captain earn AUD 4 million a year until 2029, as global franchise leagues continue to target top international stars.The proposed deal would add about AUD 1 million a year to Cummins’ earnings and, if accepted, could be worth about AUD 12 million over the next three years, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.The move comes amid growing concern within Cricket Australia over the growing financial pressures on franchise cricket. Cummins, along with fellow Australian star Travis Head, were reportedly offered around $10 million last year to retire from international cricket and commit full-time to franchise leagues around the world. However, both declined the offer and opted for national cricket. Cummins was recently ranked among Australia’s highest-paid athletes, with an estimated annual income of between 9–10 million AUD, including his national contract, Indian Premier League salary, and commercial endorsements.Under Cricket Australia’s current contract structure, the average men’s central contract is worth just over AUD 1 million before match fees, bonuses and superannuation. However, sources familiar with the negotiations claim Cummins’ proposed extension would include significantly more guaranteed money, regardless of how many matches he plays.The long-term deal will keep Cummins tied to Australian cricket until the age of 36. The fast bowler has already battled injury concerns in recent years and was ruled out of almost the entire Ashes summer due to a back problem. While both Cricket Australia and Cummins’ management declined to comment publicly on the negotiations, CA’s head of cricket James Allsopp acknowledged the need to better reward the country’s biggest multi-format stars.“He has earned the right for Australia through long-term performance across all formats,” Allsopp said. “Market pressure is strongest on the players who generate the most commercial value. Players like Pete, Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head are in high demand globally, so keeping them associated with Australian cricket is a key priority.”Australia are set for a huge international schedule over the next year, potentially playing 21 Test matches over a 12-month period. The calendar includes home series against Bangladesh, New Zealand and England, tours to South Africa, India and England, as well as a possible appearance in the final of the World Test Championship.
