London: Australia and IPL Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins believes there is a need for a special window for Test matches so that players willing to play franchise-based leagues like the IPL can decide their individual schedule and prepare accordingly. The Indian Premier League (IPL) now has a special window in April and May every year during which there are not many Test matches.
“For some countries, franchise cricket is more attractive than international cricket. If I go to play franchise cricket, I will be out for probably half or a third of the matches I play for Australia. Test cricket is played in Australia from November to January, so we will not have any other cricket during this time. If we can create a special window for the IPL, there can be a window for Tests as well. This will make it much easier for the players to make a decision,” Cummins was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.
In 2025, Australia may play the final of the World Test Championship in June, just after the end of the IPL, after which it will tour the West Indies. Which will include two Tests, three ODIs and as many 3 T20 matches. Australia won the 2023 Test Championship final under the captaincy of Pat Cummins. They defeated India in the final.
first published : July 7, 2024, 6:35 PM IST