In an exciting move for cricket enthusiasts, Australia Men’s captain, Pat Cummins, has inked a deal with Sydney Thunder. The Aussie skipper has been named as a Cricket Australia marquee supplementary player for the upcoming BBL 13 campaign. Many are seeing this as an audition cum warm-up for IPL 2024 as Cummins has also registered his named for the much-anticipated auction in Dubai.
Hailing from Western Sydney, Pat Cummins is making a return to the Big Bash League and Sydney Thunder, albeit in a unique role this time around. As the 19th supplementary player, the international cricket star sits just outside the primary 18-member playing squad but holds the potential to be called in should circumstances permit.
While the prospect of seeing Pat Cummins on the field is uncertain due to Australia’s series against Pakistan, he remains a prominent figure throughout the club’s campaigns and a vocal supporter for the Thunder Nation during the summer.
Pat Cummins in IPL 2024 Auction
The announcement coincides with the unveiling of the Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024) auction list, where Pat Cummins, along with World Cup winner Travis Head, leads a roster of 333 players set to go under the hammer on December 19 in Dubai. The IPL is anticipated to make an early return in March to accommodate the T20 World Cup in June, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the United States of America.
Cummins, known for his successful stint as Australia Men’s captain, also boasts a rich history with Sydney Thunder, having been part of the title-winning squad in BBL|05. His association with the club extends from BBL|05 to BBL|09, making him a seasoned Thunder player before international commitments took precedence.
Reflecting on his earlier achievements with Sydney Thunder, Pat Cummins cited a memorable performance in 2014 against Brisbane Heat, where he claimed 2 for 21, contributing to Thunder’s 56-run victory. Additionally, he was on the non-striker’s end during a pivotal moment in BBL|06 when ex-England international Eoin Morgan secured victory with a six on the last ball against the Melbourne Stars.
Having led Australia through a stellar 2023, which included winning the World Test Championships, retaining the Ashes, and clinching the ICC ODI World Cup, Cummins expressed enthusiasm for reconnecting with his Thunder family, emphasizing his Western Sydney roots.
“I’m a Western Sydney guy at heart, so I’m really glad I can be a part of the team this summer. International duties dictate I can’t be around as much as I’d like, but I’m keen to have a voice and back the guys all the way!” Cummins stated.
Andrew Gilchrist, Head of Sydney Thunder, expressed the team’s fortune in having Cummins on board, describing him as a true great of the game with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Gilchrist is confident that Cummins’ impact on the team will be felt, even from a distance, during the upcoming season.
