According to The Age in Australia, senior stars including captain Pat Cummins are considering seeking no-objection certificates to play in the SA20 during January 2028 if Cricket Australia cannot offer salaries closer to global market value.
Australia’s top multi-format players are reportedly commanding close to $1 million for overseas franchise tournaments – far more than current BBL contracts.
Fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were also reportedly approached by The Hundred in England with offers worth around $800,000, highlighting the growing financial pull of T20 franchise cricket.
Cummins has warned that players are still committed to playing for Australia but warned that things could change.
“Some of our guys are saying no to half a million pounds for 20 days’ work to go and play those two Test matches against Bangladesh,” Cummins said.
“At the moment, our guys are so keen to play for Australia that they’re happy to forgo that, but I don’t think we can accept that that is going to be the case forever.”
Among measures being considered by Cricket Australia is scrapping the BBL overseas draft system in an effort to redirect more money towards local players.
CA head of cricket James Allsopp admitted the governing body faces mounting pressure to retain its leading white-ball stars amid the rapid growth of global T20 leagues.
Photo: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images for Cricket Australia
