IPL 2023 Auction: “That’s Where You Have Your Off-season” – Glenn McGrath Reacts To Pat Cummins' Decision To Skip IPL

Legendary Australia National Cricket Team pace bowler Glenn McGrath has shared his views on the Australian Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins’ decision to pull out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.

On Tuesday, November 15, Pat Cummins took to Twitter to state that he has decided to skip the next edition of the IPL due to a packed international calendar. He also thanked Kolkata Knight Riders for understanding his decision and was hopeful of returning to the IPL as soon as possible.

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“I’ve made the difficult decision to miss next years IPL. The international schedule is packed with Tests and ODI’s for the next 12 months, so will take some rest ahead of an Ashes series and World Cup,” Australia National Cricket Team Test and ODI captain tweeted.

“Thanks so much to @KKRiders for their understanding. Such a terrific team of players and staff and I hope I can get back there ASAP,” he further stated.

Cummins, who played the last three IPL seasons for Kolkata Knight Riders, picked up 7 wickets and scored 63 runs in 5 IPL 2022 games, before getting ruled out of the competition due to a hip injury.

Fast bowlers need to have a bit of an off-season – Glenn McGrath

McGrath backed Cummins’ decision to skip IPL and said it’s important for pacers to get an off-season. He added that the priority for all the players should always be to represent the national team.

“Cummo has come out and said he’s not going to the next IPL. That’s where you have your off-season, get strong and get through the next season. If you don’t do that, you’re a car that never refuels. Sooner or later, you’re going to run out. Fast bowlers need to have a bit of an offseason because bowling and running depletes your strength,” said McGrath while speaking to AAP.

“You don’t want to devalue the Big Bash, but you have to weigh up what is important. Playing for Australia should still be the be-all and end-all. Test cricket is still the ultimate,” the 52-year-old added.

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