IPL 2021: Pat Cummins likely to skip second leg

Australian speedster Pat Cummins has hinted that he may skip the second leg of Indian Premier League (IPL) to be staged in UAE. The availability of the overseas players was always a concern for BCCI after what transpired in the first leg. Also, the timing of the lucrative league is not that great with the T20 World Cup right on the head.

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While the BCCI has convinced players from New Zealand and England to participate in the IPL, Australian players are still doubtful. If Cummins decides to sit out of the tournament, it will be a huge blow for Kolkata Knight Riders as he was the highest wicket-taker for them in the first leg with nine wickets in seven games. He also made vital contributions with the bat and scored a total of 93 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 166.07.

Cummins confirmed that he may skip the second leg of IPL during a Q&A session on his Youtube channel. Cummins is expecting his first child and he wants to be with his wife Becky during this time. Also, with a packed calendar ahead, Cummins doesn’t want to burn himself, especially with T20 World Cup and Ashes not far away.

Also, Cummins pulled out of the West Indies and Bangladesh tour, and if he goes and plays in the IPL, it will be very difficult for him to explain his decision to the Australian selectors. Add to that the stern COVID-19 restrictions. The pacer, however, said that he has not taken a final call on his availability.

“Unfortunately, at this stage I probably won’t going to the IPL. I haven’t made an official call on it. But my partner is pregnant and our baby is due in the middle of the IPL. At the moment, there is travel restriction getting back to Australia, you got to do 2 weeks quarantine.

“There is probably going to be some days quarantine going to UAE. So for second half this season it’s going to be really tough to get over there,” he said. As far as the IPL is concerned, the tournament is set to be played till October 15 and the T20 World Cup will commence on October 17. Pat Cummins, however, is hopeful that he will be fine to feature in the WC for Australia.