Pat Cummins, Travis Head rejected offer of $10 million each to quit Australian cricket for T20

[Hitman]

Calls for the BBL to be privatised have intensified after it was revealed Australia's captain Pat Cummins and deputy Travis Head were offered nearly $10 million a year to play T20 cricket overseas fulltime.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports an IPL team made the offers this year, which were rejected by the players, who cited their commitment to the Australian cricket team.

But news of the offers were discussed between Cricket Australia, the state associations and the players' union as they consider privatising the Big Bash League.

Cummins' international cricket salary is around $3 million, taking into account his captaincy duties.

Money generated from selling off Big Bash franchises would raise player salaries, and also link the T20 league into a growing global network of franchise owners.

Cummins' IPL auction value with Sunrisers Hyderabad last year was worth almost $3.7 million, while Head went for about $1.2 million at the same team.

While cricket players are the top earners in the domestic sport market, they fall behind top earner Oscar Piastri and Australians competing in NBA and NFL. All the top earning athletes compete in sports with private ownership.

South African Heinrich Klaasen, a teammate of Head and Cummins at Mumbai, retired from all forms of international cricket in June to play franchise cricket only.

"I spent a lot of time with Klaasen over a period of time while he was making decisions," Head said. "I don't think there's any written rule on what you should or shouldn't play or what you should or shouldn't give up. There's an idea on what people should think, and what they should do.

"Playing international cricket is the pinnacle. A lot of people hold it so high in regard, but some people don't. People have got to respect that there's no one way to go about it.

"A lot of people would give their left nut to play international cricket, and that comes from someone who's played a lot of cricket or someone who's played none, who wants to do it. So when someone gives up that opportunity it's 'why are you doing it?' But there's a reason, and you've got to respect that.

"What's happening in the world at the moment is people have opportunities to make those decisions, which we've never had [before]. So it's hard to knock someone who is making a decision in their own personal state and trying to get job satisfaction. Fair play."

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Link: https://www.nine.com.au/sport/crick...leave-australian-cricket-20251008-p5n0up.html​

 

[Hitman]

$10 million a year is an astonishing amount. But I agree with both of them, no league cricket can match international cricket.

 

[Sachin fan]

$10 million a year is an astonishing amount. But I agree with both of them, no league cricket can match international cricket.

At one point the money will start becoming big enough for players to be unable to refuse. Particularly those near retirement.

This is what's happening in football with Saudis throwing billions.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Indians trying to get rid of their arch nemesis by paying them to stop playing international cricket @mominsaigol

 

[mominsaigol]

Indians trying to get rid of their arch nemesis by paying them to stop playing international cricket @mominsaigol

It's less about the money and more about the contract and commitment.

IPL can renounce their standing at any time. Their is no guarantee of 10M per year contracts lasting which would lead to Cummins and Head retired for good in international.

With international cricket their position is safe and secure.

Even if a contract is offered, IPL can afford to cancel it and take a lawsuit with them paying 10-50M to end the courtroom drama which is honestly chump change for them.

 

[Hitman]

At one point the money will start becoming big enough for players to be unable to refuse. Particularly those near retirement.

This is what's happening in football with Saudis throwing billions.

It's reason like these why I believe the T20 format is overall a curse to the game.

 

[Hitman]

At one point the money will start becoming big enough for players to be unable to refuse. Particularly those near retirement.

This is what's happening in football with Saudis throwing billions.

I agree. What if the $10 million turned to $30 million per year? I don't know what they would have decided, but wouldn't they have been tempted at least?​

 

[Sachin fan]

It's less about the money and more about the contract and commitment.

IPL can renounce their standing at any time. Their is no guarantee of 10M per year contracts lasting which would lead to Cummins and Head retired for good in international.

With international cricket their position is safe and secure.

Even if a contract is offered, IPL can afford to cancel it and take a lawsuit with them paying 10-50M to end the courtroom drama which is honestly chump change for them.

It would be the stupidest decision to cancel it because then no future players will ever trust the leagues and will never sign up.

Why would IPl or any other league cancel it or not honor their promise? As you said, it's chump change for them. Why would they destroy other cricketers trust in them by going back on a promised?

The Saudis haven't gone back in any of their promises despite paying literal billions to some footballers.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

It would be the stupidest decision to cancel it because then no future players will ever trust the leagues and will never sign up.

Why would IPl or any other league cancel it or not honor their promise? As you said, it's chump change for them. Why would they destroy other cricketers trust in them by going back on a promised?

The Saudis haven't gone back in any of their promises despite paying literal billions to some footballers.

I don't think the IPL will go back on promises but It is a different situation in club football than cricket as they can continue to play international cricket. The players aren't really sacrificing anything. Ronaldo for example is still playing for Portugal.

Some European nations will maybe not pick players as they believe Saudi league is a lower standard.

 

[Red-Indian]

I agree. What if the $10 million turned to $30 million per year? I don't know what they would have decided, but wouldn't they have been tempted at least?​

Right now, the money generated by the IPL - perhaps $1.5Bn annually is very unfairly distributed between the BCCI, Teams and Players.

The players take home barely 10% of the money earned by the IPL...$15m per team is the salary budget. There's not too noise because the BCCI is so powerful and the money already seems so high but it won't be too long before the players wake up to how much they're leaving on the table and start negotiating as a group. In American sports, players have gone on strike several times for a fairer share of the pot...usually around 30%ish.

If salaries rise to their fair level in the IPL, money earned in international cricket will start seeming ridiculous in comparison. How regulators deal with it is going to be their biggest challenge.

 

[RidiculousMan]

A true aspiring Cricketer would never leave international Cricket and Test Cricket and World Cup events in particular even for a Billion Dollars.

 

[Ball Blazer]

ipl teams made an offer, the op says

Indians are scared of another "silence the crowd"

 

[Red-Indian]

A true aspiring Cricketer would never leave international Cricket and Test Cricket and World Cup events in particular even for a Billion Dollars.

It's easy to judge but a cricketer only has a limited tenure to make their money.

Yes the Australian and English players are relatively safe (at least until the money in the IPL goes crazy) since they have reasonably competent Boards who're trying their best to pay them decent money... So are the Pakistanis for different reasons.

How do you deny the New Zealanders, West Indian players, South Africans, Afghanistanis etc.? It's not like their boards are capable of making up even a part of the money they'd be sacrificing. Already the English county system has sucked up a huge amount of South African talent on Kolpak deals.

I think we have to figure out a lighter international calendar for these teams like Football, Basketball have done. Don't make the choice too difficult for the players in the years to come as the IPL expands and demands more time from them.

 

[Mas-LFC]

Good. Country should always come before them tamasha leagues. Money isn’t everything. History will remember what you did you for your country during your playing years. No one remembers these t20 leagues seasons and whatever happened.

 

[U$ofA]

Good. Country should always come before them tamasha leagues. Money isn’t everything. History will remember what you did you for your country during your playing years. No one remembers these t20 leagues seasons and whatever happened.

The choice should be with the players. They should decide what is best for them.

I do appreciate Cummings and Head for their choice. But so do I Klassen for his choice.

Let the free market decide things. Nothing should be forced.

 

[U$ofA]

I agree. What if the $10 million turned to $30 million per year? I don't know what they would have decided, but wouldn't they have been tempted at least?​

Players are getting tempted for much less. Case in point, SA and WI players. Only a matter of time.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

We will start seeing alot more of this in the future. Jofra Archer was offered a similar big money deal sometime ago by MI.

 

[harshjoshi87]

These Aussies will quit international cricket after 2027 World Cup, most will take up this offers from IPL franchises.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Cummins and Head are the wrong audience for this. Top Australian cricketers already make alot of money through IPL and central contracts. For them, playing the IPL allows them to make a ton of money on the side while staying focused on the main goal of winning matches and trophies for Australia.

 

[Vikram1989]

Cummins and Head are the wrong audience for this. Top Australian cricketers already make alot of money through IPL and central contracts. For them, playing the IPL allows them to make a ton of money on the side while staying focused on the main goal of winning matches and trophies for Australia.

I think this is for publicity stunt. Everyone knows aus captain like cummins cant quit leaving ashes, bgt, Wcs.message may have gone to other interested parties that they can be snapped up at 7 or 8 mn usd , if they are good enough. Once ipl franchises get hold of bbl, there may be a full fledged hunt.

 

[Prince of Dorne]

I agree. What if the $10 million turned to $30 million per year? I don't know what they would have decided, but wouldn't they have been tempted at least?​

For that kind of cash, they’d pack up and move to India in a heartbeat. Toss in ten more million and they’d happily become ‘Tarun’ or ‘Pratik.’ Everyone has a price if you pay enough.

 

[tiger_khan]

$10 million a year is an astonishing amount. But I agree with both of them, no league cricket can match international cricket.

N it's not for a person who is already making $3M from Cricket Australia alone, not including Private Franchise and endorsements incomes.

These two got at least 3 to 5 years of international cricket left in them.

Had they been offered $30M (which is unlikely) they wouldn't have given the explanation of international cricket being the gold standard.

They would have accepted $10M today if they were 5 to 6 years older.

 

[Sachin fan]

ipl teams made an offer, the op says

Indians are scared of another "silence the crowd"

Are Saudis scared when they spend billions to attract football talent?

Poor argument, this is just about growing the brand value and making leagues more attractive.

Let's leave these childish arguments out and discuss like adults.

 

[SportsWarrior]

$10 million a year is an astonishing amount. But I agree with both of them, no league cricket can match international cricket.

It also is a poor offer. Just playing for Aus and IPL will net them that much in three years. Why will they want to leave that? They are getting the same or more money and getting a chance to represent their country and lead them. I don’t know anyone who will take such a poor offer

 

[saimayubera]

I agree. What if the $10 million turned to $30 million per year? I don't know what they would have decided, but wouldn't they have been tempted at least?​

The salaries will grow as the Indian economy grows.

There will be a 20 team 4 month IPL with the best players getting $50-60 million (in 2025 dollars) eventually. Maybe in the 2050s.

Ultimately cricket's growth is tied to the Indian economy.

 

[Red-Indian]

The salaries will grow as the Indian economy grows.

There will be a 20 team 4 month IPL with the best players getting $50-60 million (in 2025 dollars) eventually. Maybe in the 2050s.

Ultimately cricket's growth is tied to the Indian economy.

Who can think that far ahead? I think International Cricket in general and Test Cricket is safe for the remainder of this decade. Unless Netflix or Amazon Prime step up out of the blue, we're not going to see a similar kind of jump in TV rights the upcoming cycle.

Jio has more or less monopolised cricket telecast and streaming in the country and nobody else (Sony?) has the financial might and viewership base to take on the size of deal we're talking about for the IPL. That means there's no real incentive to raise player salaries and add new teams.

Whether cricket in general and the ICC in particular can use this window to diversify revenue earning streams is the question. I'm not holding my breath given their record.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

We will start seeing alot more of this in the future. Jofra Archer was offered a similar big money deal sometime ago by MI.

Future players won't have allegiance to their domestic setups.

Currently, these Aussie players came through the grade system, then FC, and then International. So they are aligned with Australia throughout their careers.

In the not-so-distant future, these players will be scouted and found at talent ID camps for their franchises. An Aussie might come through the system for MI Sydney and an Englishman for MI London. So they won't have the same bond.

As a fan, it just seems so soulless. I'd much prefer year-round IPL than this circus where corporations buy teams in a country, slap their names on them, and players rotate around a circuit.

I mean, who gets up in the morning, wondering what the Mumbai Indians of Sharjah's score is? It all just seems so soulless.

 

[kron]

Are Saudis scared when they spend billions to attract football talent?

Poor argument, this is just about growing the brand value and making leagues more attractive.

Let's leave these childish arguments out and discuss like adults.

And who said we are scared lmao

We just smashed them in t20 and champions trophy

And won 4 bgt series back to back

They only beat under strength India in the final of 2023 and wtc final where we missed 2 to 3 key players

 

[RexRex]

I'm still amazed that franchise crickets gets a bigger indian audience than international cricket. I would have never predicted that trend 10-15 years ago.

As DV has mentioned above, it is a soulless spectacle.

 

[kron]

Future players won't have allegiance to their domestic setups.

Currently, these Aussie players came through the grade system, then FC, and then International. So they are aligned with Australia throughout their careers.

In the not-so-distant future, these players will be scouted and found at talent ID camps for their franchises. An Aussie might come through the system for MI Sydney and an Englishman for MI London. So they won't have the same bond.

As a fan, it just seems so soulless. I'd much prefer year-round IPL than this circus where corporations buy teams in a country, slap their names on them, and players rotate around a circuit.

I mean, who gets up in the morning, wondering what the Mumbai Indians of Sharjah's score is? It all just seems so soulless.

I hate odi cause it’s crap now.
No one cares

Tests is what matters as always

I do prefer t20 over odi

But not at the cost of compromising on tests.

I would be livid if players choose t20 money over playing form their country.

Each to their own I guess. Hopefully not.

 

[kron]

I'm still amazed that franchise crickets gets a bigger indian audience than international cricket. I would have never predicted that trend 10-15 years ago.

I hardly watch ipl. I hate tamasha leagues

Most where I live hardly watch

Not sure how it is in India. I still feel it isn’t as popular as projected but for some reason bcci is able to make a ton of money through the short formats.

 

[Red-Indian]

Future players won't have allegiance to their domestic setups.

Currently, these Aussie players came through the grade system, then FC, and then International. So they are aligned with Australia throughout their careers.

In the not-so-distant future, these players will be scouted and found at talent ID camps for their franchises. An Aussie might come through the system for MI Sydney and an Englishman for MI London. So they won't have the same bond.

As a fan, it just seems so soulless. I'd much prefer year-round IPL than this circus where corporations buy teams in a country, slap their names on them, and players rotate around a circuit.

I mean, who gets up in the morning, wondering what the Mumbai Indians of Sharjah's score is? It all just seems so soulless.

Never seen a model like that work. Even in far more powerful centralised leagues like the MLB and NBA which suck in international talent, they're dependent on the domestic talent system and the local leagues to find their international talent.

Players like Luka Doncic who moved at 19 to the NBA are still fiercely loyal to their countries and are proud to represent them.

I think there's plenty of room for International cricket and a lucrative IPL and other leagues to co-exist. We just have to be realistic in our expectations.

 

[Champ_Pal]

At one point the money will start becoming big enough for players to be unable to refuse. Particularly those near retirement.

This is what's happening in football with Saudis throwing billions.

They will seriously think about the offer once their abilities start waning. But then again the offer might not be available then.

Make it rain while the clouds are still on.

 

[RexRex]

Not sure how it is in India. I still feel it isn’t as popular as projected but for some reason bcci is able to make a ton of money through the short formats.

Money laundering..

 

[saimayubera]

Never seen a model like that work. Even in far more powerful centralised leagues like the MLB and NBA which suck in international talent, they're dependent on the domestic talent system and the local leagues to find their international talent.

Players like Luka Doncic who moved at 19 to the NBA are still fiercely loyal to their countries and are proud to represent them.

I think there's plenty of room for International cricket and a lucrative IPL and other leagues to co-exist. We just have to be realistic in our expectations.

Bilateral will pay the price. WCs and leagues like other sports.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

They will seriously think about the offer once their abilities start waning. But then again the offer might not be available then.

Make it rain while the clouds are still on.

So you want to eliminate two biggest threat to indians...lol if you can't defeat them buy them

 

[The Bald Eagle]

They will seriously think about the offer once their abilities start waning. But then again the offer might not be available then.

Make it rain while the clouds are still on.

So you want to eliminate two biggest threat to indians...lol if you can't defeat them buy them

 

[Champ_Pal]

So you want to eliminate two biggest threat to indians...lol if you can't defeat them buy them

No.
I want them to play for Australia first as long as they can.

My post was only from Dollar point of view. Aus players do not get the same God like treatment that Indian players receive in India. So their endorsements will also be less. It’s a very tough decision. I am sure both Head and Cummins thought about it before they rejected the offer. Good on them.

 

[mominsaigol]

It would be the stupidest decision to cancel it because then no future players will ever trust the leagues and will never sign up.

Why would IPl or any other league cancel it or not honor their promise? As you said, it's chump change for them. Why would they destroy other cricketers trust in them by going back on a promised?

The Saudis haven't gone back in any of their promises despite paying literal billions to some footballers.

We are talking about a what if scenario. Secondly the Saudi's have gone back on their promises a dime a dozen times.

I do not know much about football but the Saudis literally ruined WWE superstars due to Saudi hush money.

Heck they are literally ruining wrestlemania by dragging it out of USA, and many stars who had signed on to air at wrestlemania are now having their contracts revoked because the Arabs want the absolute top stars.

Many female wrestlers including top stars have suffered as a result

 

[U$ofA]

Who can think that far ahead? I think International Cricket in general and Test Cricket is safe for the remainder of this decade. Unless Netflix or Amazon Prime step up out of the blue, we're not going to see a similar kind of jump in TV rights the upcoming cycle.

Jio has more or less monopolised cricket telecast and streaming in the country and nobody else (Sony?) has the financial might and viewership base to take on the size of deal we're talking about for the IPL. That means there's no real incentive to raise player salaries and add new teams.

Whether cricket in general and the ICC in particular can use this window to diversify revenue earning streams is the question. I'm not holding my breath given their record.

Well, the first order of business for the ICC is to redo their entire revenue model. Not just sit around waiting for Indian $$$$ to drop in.

The next broadcast deal is coming up renewal in about year and a half or so. Now would be a good time for the people at ICC to get off their rear ends and think through and come up with a strategy. Something that would actually make them the org that runs the show. Not just dependent on one board.

Some model that would give them the control and all the boards more/equal power. Requires making an effort and earning your paychecks.

But as you say, given their track record.....

 

[U$ofA]

Future players won't have allegiance to their domestic setups.

Currently, these Aussie players came through the grade system, then FC, and then International. So they are aligned with Australia throughout their careers.

In the not-so-distant future, these players will be scouted and found at talent ID camps for their franchises. An Aussie might come through the system for MI Sydney and an Englishman for MI London. So they won't have the same bond.

As a fan, it just seems so soulless. I'd much prefer year-round IPL than this circus where corporations buy teams in a country, slap their names on them, and players rotate around a circuit.

I mean, who gets up in the morning, wondering what the Mumbai Indians of Sharjah's score is? It all just seems so soulless.

Looks like that is where things are headed!

 

[U$ofA]

I hardly watch ipl. I hate tamasha leagues

Most where I live hardly watch

Not sure how it is in India. I still feel it isn’t as popular as projected but for some reason bcci is able to make a ton of money through the short formats.

Please watch the Ind-WI test and the upcoming Pak-SA one. Try to put together 500 fans in the stadium combined!!

As far as the short format goes, please take a look at the schedule of most teams. Will be T20 loaded. That is where the eyeballs are. More importantly that is where the $$$ is. The boards are merely giving their customers what they want.

 

[kron]

Please watch the Ind-WI test and the upcoming Pak-SA one. Try to put together 500 fans in the stadium combined!!

As far as the short format goes, please take a look at the schedule of most teams. Will be T20 loaded. That is where the eyeballs are. More importantly that is where the $$$ is. The boards are merely giving their customers what they want.

Yea maybe in india

Not here in aus

Ain’t nobody watching ipl or bbl

Test cricket yes everyone tunes in

 

[kron]

10 mil a year?
I would play for Bangladesh if I have to in Bangla premier league

Or even psl.

To represent their country? Naaa.

I do think mohammed Amir would represent India if he could though given he is always greedy for money.

 

[U$ofA]

Yea maybe in india

Not here in aus

Ain’t nobody watching ipl or bbl

Test cricket yes everyone tunes in

I did not mention Aus or Eng for that matter. You take those two out and you will find no takers for tests. Sure Ind. to some extent still interested.

You can look at the schedules of Pak, SL, WI, BD heck even SA, NZ and find T20 heavy and maybe single digit tests in a year. Proof where tests are headed in majority of the cricket world.

As far as watching IPL goes, it is meant for Indian audience. No one else would care. Why would they? It is for and by Indian fans in India, USA primarily. Perhaps throw in expats in UK in there too. That is the total sum of IPL fan base. These put together is what has created the behemoth that is the IPL. Not catered to anyone else. Neither do the anyone else care.

In the not too distant future, we may just have Ind, Aus, Eng playing tests and no one else. Maybe SA and NZ a little. It is unfortunate but reality I am afraid.

 

[BouncerGuy]

10 mil is a hefty amount but good for both that they chose country over money... Many out there would love this offer though

 

[kron]

I did not mention Aus or Eng for that matter. You take those two out and you will find no takers for tests. Sure Ind. to some extent still interested.

You can look at the schedules of Pak, SL, WI, BD heck even SA, NZ and find T20 heavy and maybe single digit tests in a year. Proof where tests are headed in majority of the cricket world.

As far as watching IPL goes, it is meant for Indian audience. No one else would care. Why would they? It is for and by Indian fans in India, USA primarily. Perhaps throw in expats in UK in there too. That is the total sum of IPL fan base. These put together is what has created the behemoth that is the IPL. Not catered to anyone else. Neither do the anyone else care.

In the not too distant future, we may just have Ind, Aus, Eng playing tests and no one else. Maybe SA and NZ a little. It is unfortunate but reality I am afraid.

I predict a world champions league sort of comp where all the best teams from across different t20 franchises compete

 

[kron]

10 mil is a hefty amount but good for both that they chose country over money... Many out there would love this offer though

Question
Would you ever play for another country if they offered 10 mil ? Which means you revoke your Pakistani citizenship.

 

[kron]

I did not mention Aus or Eng for that matter. You take those two out and you will find no takers for tests. Sure Ind. to some extent still interested.

You can look at the schedules of Pak, SL, WI, BD heck even SA, NZ and find T20 heavy and maybe single digit tests in a year. Proof where tests are headed in majority of the cricket world.

As far as watching IPL goes, it is meant for Indian audience. No one else would care. Why would they? It is for and by Indian fans in India, USA primarily. Perhaps throw in expats in UK in there too. That is the total sum of IPL fan base. These put together is what has created the behemoth that is the IPL. Not catered to anyone else. Neither do the anyone else care.

In the not too distant future, we may just have Ind, Aus, Eng playing tests and no one else. Maybe SA and NZ a little. It is unfortunate but reality I am afraid.

South Africa prioritises tests
So I doubt they are going away anytime soon

Nz also love tests

 

[U$ofA]

I predict a world champions league sort of comp where all the best teams from across different t20 franchises compete

That kind of thing was already tried with champions league. Was a big failure. BCCI/IPL got tired of bankrolling it. I would say its a non starter.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Question
Would you ever play for another country if they offered 10 mil ? Which means you revoke your Pakistani citizenship.

I am no international player so I don't know what an international player takes into consideration while making such decisions... But I think I will pass... Not gonna be another case like Usman Khan.

 

[kron]

I am no international player so I don't know what an international player takes into consideration while making such decisions... But I think I will pass... Not gonna be another case like Usman Khan.

Yea same. If it’s just tamasha t20 league sure.

But to play for another country? Nha unless I live there I guess but not at the cost of revoking my own oci or citizenship

 

[BouncerGuy]

Yea same. If it’s just tamasha t20 league sure.

But to play for another country? Nha unless I live there I guess but not at the cost of revoking my own oci or citizenship

Yeah.. playing just leagues is fine but leaving the whole country thing??? NOPE

 

[cricketjoshila]

$10 million a year is an astonishing amount. But I agree with both of them, no league cricket can match international cricket.

Cummins already makes close to7mn. So not that big. For something like this 50mn would be a big deal

 

[cricketjoshila]

That kind of thing was already tried with champions league. Was a big failure. BCCI/IPL got tired of bankrolling it. I would say its a non starter.

As long as other boards are not pulling enough money such kind of league will fail

 

[Hitman]

Cummins already makes close to7mn. So not that big. For something like this 50mn would be a big deal

7 million a year? That's a lot.

 

[harshjoshi87]

Please watch the Ind-WI test and the upcoming Pak-SA one. Try to put together 500 fans in the stadium combined!!

As far as the short format goes, please take a look at the schedule of most teams. Will be T20 loaded. That is where the eyeballs are. More importantly that is where the $$$ is. The boards are merely giving their customers what they want.

Virat had asked the BCCI in 2017 for 5-6 test centers due to lack of public interest in test match cricket in venues like Ranchi, Ahmedabad, Mohali.

I assure you most stadiums in Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi will have 80% people in even if we are playing likes of West Indies & Bangladesh.

 

[kron]

Cummins already makes close to7mn. So not that big. For something like this 50mn would be a big deal

For t20 he is a mediocre player anyway

Hardly worth that amount

15 mil would seal the deal I feel. But yea he is already rich

 

[cricketjoshila]

7 million a year? That's a lot.

3mn from Ca 3.5mn from ipl plus endorsements

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Never seen a model like that work. Even in far more powerful centralised leagues like the MLB and NBA which suck in international talent, they're dependent on the domestic talent system and the local leagues to find their international talent.

Players like Luka Doncic who moved at 19 to the NBA are still fiercely loyal to their countries and are proud to represent them.

I think there's plenty of room for International cricket and a lucrative IPL and other leagues to co-exist. We just have to be realistic in our expectations.

It's the way cricket is going. Most of the leagues are basically IPL offshoot. It won't be long until players in the Caribbean come through talent hunts from Knight Riders Franchise at age 13-14 and then get contracts to play around the globe for that franchise.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Looks like that is where things are headed!

It seems artificial at the moment. People are pumping in money anticipating that that's the way things are headed. But I haven't ever met or interacted with anyone who has a genuine interest in many of these franchises.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I'm still amazed that franchise crickets gets a bigger indian audience than international cricket. I would have never predicted that trend 10-15 years ago.

As DV has mentioned above, it is a soulless spectacle.

Apart from IPL, which leagues get more Indian viewership than international cricket?

 

[RexRex]

Apart from IPL, which leagues get more Indian viewership than international cricket?

Why ... apart from IPL ? That's the big fish.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Why ... apart from IPL ? That's the big fish.

You quoted DV who, if I've understood this correctly, is not talking about IPL at all.

He was referring to the ILT20 which has no real organic fanbase.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

You quoted DV who, if I've understood this correctly, is not talking about IPL at all.

He was referring to the ILT20 which has no real organic fanbase.

Correct, although I do consider it (alongside other franchise leagues) to be soulless compared to international cricket.

For all of its flaws the IPL has built a solid fan base, teams with some heritage and history and solid brands within India. It is the standout league that most resembles club football.

I am talking about the IPL spin offs across the world, particularly the ILT20 but also to an extent the Indian purchases and rebranding of the other leagues. I don't understand how these leagues plan on making money, who the hell actually watches them, and how they actually plan on being sustainable long term.

 

[RexRex]

You quoted DV who, if I've understood this correctly, is not talking about IPL at all.

He was referring to the ILT20 which has no real organic fanbase.

Ok, I was referring to the opening post .. which mentions an IPL team paying 10 million dollars.

All of them are soulless imo although atleast with the IPL you could argue there's a quasi-authentic fanbase developing there in many regions of India.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Ok, I was referring to the opening post .. which mentions an IPL team paying 10 million dollars.

All of them are soulless imo although atleast with the IPL you could argue there's a quasi-authentic fanbase developing there in many regions of India.

That figure quoted would be for a unique deal which would have had Cummins and Head play not only in the IPL but also franchises overseas who have the same ownership as that particular IPL owner.

So, an MI player with a similar deal(theoretically) would play in all of Mumbai Indians + MI Capetown + MI New York + MI Emirates + Oval Invincibles

Indian viewership is a given only for Mumbai Indians in IPL. There is no guarantee that they can tap the Indian market for all these leagues.

 

[Red-Indian]

Ok, I was referring to the opening post .. which mentions an IPL team paying 10 million dollars.

All of them are soulless imo although atleast with the IPL you could argue there's a quasi-authentic fanbase developing there in many regions of India.

Yes I sneered at the IPL for a long while calling it a teenager obsession.

Can't say that anymore. Grown men who're knowledgeable about cricket have become rabid fans. My boss - a 50 year old obsessively follows Bangalore and talks about their fortunes constantly. The stampede after they won the title, though tragic, shows the level of fandom.

As an aside, apparently the Poonawalla's are looking to buy Bangalore and valuation numbers being thrown around are astronomical.

 

[RexRex]

Yes I sneered at the IPL for a long while calling it a teenager obsession.

Can't say that anymore. Grown men who're knowledgeable about cricket have become rabid fans. My boss - a 50 year old obsessively follows Bangalore and talks about their fortunes constantly. The stampede after they won the title, though tragic, shows the level of fandom.

As an aside, apparently the Poonawalla's are looking to buy Bangalore and valuation numbers being thrown around are astronomical.

The fact that proper regional fanbases are developing makes me even more upset lol. If it keeps growing at this rate, IPL salaries are going to dwarf the national team contracts to a negligible level.

 

[Red-Indian]

The fact that proper regional fanbases are developing makes me even more upset lol. If it keeps growing at this rate, IPL salaries are going to dwarf the national team contracts to a negligible level.

No point getting upset. I've long made my peace with it. World sport teaches us that the more local the sporting team, the more passionate the support. It's one thing to dislike the Aussies who you'll rarely meet in person but the rivalry between Chennai and Bangalore is a much more personal, atavistic feeling. There's a lot of cultural and social baggage there.

I'm pretty comfortable though that though international cricket will be diminished, there'll always be a relevant and powerful space for it. Look at the evidence in Football, Basketball. There's too much history and legacy.

 

[kron]

No point getting upset. I've long made my peace with it. World sport teaches us that the more local the sporting team, the more passionate the support. It's one thing to dislike the Aussies who you'll rarely meet in person but the rivalry between Chennai and Bangalore is a much more personal, atavistic feeling. There's a lot of cultural and social baggage there.

I'm pretty comfortable though that though international cricket will be diminished, there'll always be a relevant and powerful space for it. Look at the evidence in Football, Basketball. There's too much history and legacy.

I just hope we can preserve test cricket dear lord please

 

[Red-Indian]

I just hope we can preserve test cricket dear lord please

I think if there's enough money sloshing around in cricket, some of it will find it's way to Tests. After all both commercial cinema and arthouse cinema continue to co-exist. Just on different budgets and for different audiences.

Long form cricket is 300 years old as a sport. It's not going to disappear easily. My feeling is it'll remain a nice comfort watch for the smaller crowd who're interested.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

T20 is the dominant force, whether you like it or not. We can see some people on forums, particularly those who started watching cricket in the 80s and early 90s, still holding outdated views, they are far from the real pulse of the game.

Imagine people in remote villages of Tamil Nadu celebrating an RCB victory by organizing huge bike rallies and bursting crackers, while CSK fans respond by putting up banners displaying their trophy count, that’s the passion and excitement T20 cricket brings!

For me, cricket is cricket. I love all formats; none is lesser than the other. Every format has its own strengths and weaknesses, there’s nothing inherently superior or inferior. If anyone thinks T20 isn’t good for the game, they are simply living in denial.

 

[sweep_shot]

Respect for Head and Cummins.

This is why Australia are 8-time World Champions.

 

[kron]

I think if there's enough money sloshing around in cricket, some of it will find it's way to Tests. After all both commercial cinema and arthouse cinema continue to co-exist. Just on different budgets and for different audiences.

Long form cricket is 300 years old as a sport. It's not going to disappear easily. My feeling is it'll remain a nice comfort watch for the smaller crowd who're interested.

But what if players stop playing with full intensity to preserve their bodies? Due to rigours of tests

I mean I can’t blame them

Why strain yourself for 30% of what you could earn in t20?

That’s my biggest worry