Sun Oct 13 15:01:45 UTC 2024: ## Cummins Opens Up on IPL Future and Captaincy Plans Amidst New Rules

**Sydney, Australia -** Australian Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins has addressed the new IPL rules and regulations which penalize players pulling out of the tournament after the auction without a valid reason. The rule was introduced to prevent players from backing out after receiving substantial bids. While acknowledging the rule change, Cummins clarified that he has never withdrawn from an IPL season after the auction.

“I’ll work out in the next little bit what this season looks like,” said Cummins, who led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the 2024 IPL final. “There’s a bit of a tweak in the rules, but I don’t know whether that would have affected me in the past, I’ve never pulled out after the auction.”

The Australian all-rounder, who missed the 2023 IPL due to a packed international schedule, confirmed that Test cricket and World Cups remain his top priorities. He will consider his IPL commitments in light of these commitments.

Despite a record-breaking IPL auction price of Rs 20.50 crore by SRH, Cummins’ future with the team remains uncertain. The October 31 deadline for team retentions will determine his fate.

Turning his attention to his captaincy future, Cummins expressed surprise at his own ability to continue leading the Australian side. While the 31-year-old acknowledges that younger players are rising through the ranks, he is open to leading the team for the next few years, potentially including the 2027 ODI World Cup and 2025-27 World Test Championship.

“I’m not going to do it forever, but I wouldn’t say it’s imminent that I’m going to step away,” he said.

Cummins will prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, starting November 26, by playing in the Sheffield Shield. His decisions on IPL commitments and captaincy will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of discussion in the coming months.

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