Pat Cummins pulls out of IPL to focus on Ashes and World Cup

Cummins, the Aussie Test captain, will lead his side into an away Ashes series against England in June and July, before playing a crucial role in his country's seam attack in the 50-over World Cup in India in October

Pat Cummins has withdrawn from the 2023 Indian Premier League to focus on a busy international calendar with Australia.

Cummins, the Aussie Test captain, will lead his side into an away Ashes series against England in June and July, before playing a crucial role in his country's seam attack in the 50-over World Cup in India in October. 

With that in mind, he has chosen to give himself the opportunity to rest and recuperate rather than take part in the IPL, where he was contracted by Kolkata Knight Riders - he was signed on a £780,000 by the franchise at the IPL mega auction in February.

"I've made the difficult decision to miss next year's IPL,” Cummins wrote on social media on Tuesday (November 15).

^{Pat Cummins will not play in the 2023 IPL [Getty Images]}

^{Cummins has opted to focus on the Ashes and the World Cup [Getty Images]}

"The international schedule is packed with Tests and ODIs for the next 12 months, so will take some rest ahead of an Ashes series and World Cup.

"Thanks so much to [KKR] for their understanding. Such a terrific team of players and staff and I hope I can get back there ASAP."

Cummins is the second KKR player to pull out of next year's event, after Sam Billings announced his decision to play red-ball cricket in England during the IPL window.

Billings, who has designs on the England Test wicketkeeper's role, revealed on Monday that he will play in the County Championship with Kent during April and May, instead of linking up with the Knight Riders.

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