Pat Cummins' first match for SRH in IPL 2026 confirmed by Cricket Australia

Pat Cummins has received clearance from Cricket Australia (CA) to link up with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Through an official release on the official website, CA informed Cummins’ possible first match for SRH in this season.

The pacer had to miss multiple key games because of a back issue. As the cricket board wants to protect one of their top talents, the seamer was under a long rehabilitation process. After another scan, the cricket board has assured that Pat Cummins is fit to participate in competitive matches again.

Cricket Australia issues official statement on Pat Cummins

CA informed that as the medical reports and the latest scan report look good, the premier pacer is all set to join the IPL franchise on Friday. After returning to the SRH camp, Cummins is expected to take some time before making an appearance in IPL 2026. Sunrisers Hyderabad will face Chennai Super Kings this weekend and against the Delhi Capitals next Wednesday. Cummins is likely to miss both of the matches. He could make a return through the April 25^th match, when Hyderabad will be up against the Rajasthan Royals. Pat Cummins is expected to feature in this match.

“Pat Cummins has been given the all-clear to resume bowling without restrictions following fresh scans on his back in Sydney, paving the way for his return to action at the IPL. Cummins' latest set of scans on Wednesday confirmed the back stress issue that limited him to a single match of professional cricket since last August has now resolved,” Cricket Australia informed.

“The Aussie pace spearhead will now return to India on Friday to link up with his Australia teammate Travis Head at the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise for the remainder of this year's IPL,” the official statement further reads.

Pat Cummins will take over the leadership role

In the absence of Pat Cummins, Ishan Kishan has been leading the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing season. Currently, the team from Hyderabad is placed in fourth spot of the 10-team points table as they have claimed a couple of wins in 5 matches.

With 4 points and a net rate of +0.576, they are behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Punjab Kings (PBKS). When Cummins is ready to feature in the playing combination, he will be handed the full-time captaincy role as before.

Only important series will be in focus

The 32-year-old pacer has the desire to play in all three formats for the Australian National Cricket Team. However, he will have to take care of his fitness standards. As Australia is heading towards a tough schedule, the fast bowler will prioritise the crucial matches and series only.

“Still very keen to play all three formats, and at the moment I think we can make it work. I love Test cricket. Hopefully I'm in a cadence where I can keep doing that for three, four, five years and don't have to forgo Test cricket,” Cummins told the Business of Sport podcast in late March.

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