‘If We Can…’: Pat Cummins’ Master-Plan To Save Test Cricket

Cummins proposed for separate Test cricket and IPL windows (X.com)

Australian Test cricket captain Pat Cummins has proposed establishing a special window for Test cricket each year. This suggestion aims to prevent scheduling conflicts for players who want to participate in both franchise cricket and Test cricket.

Australia could be in the final of the next World Test Championship in 2025, which is scheduled soon after the IPL. Australian players like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have consistently prioritized Test cricket. over franchise cricket. 

Cummins’ proposal to save Test cricket

If they chose WTC final over IPL, they might miss a significant portion of the IPL next season as a part of  preparation. Both players were the most expensive buys last season, with Cummins captaining SRH and Starc playing for KKR who won the IPL 2024.

Cummins proposed this idea to avoid such conflicts between franchise cricket and Test commitments.

“In Australia, Test cricket is from November to January, and basically, no other cricket is going to get in the way of us playing Test cricket then. If we can have specific windows for IPL, but then also Test windows, that makes the decision-making for the players a lot easier,” Cummins said. 

In 2025, Australia could be playing the World Test Championship final in June, right after the conclusion of the IPL. This will be followed by a tour to the West Indies.

 The IPL, which takes place in April and May, has a fixed schedule and generally sees fewer international series during this time.

Cummins’ proposal could allow players to plan their individual schedules and preparation more effectively.