“Whether you’re Pat Cummins or not”: Michael Clarke warns players of consequences of missing IPL

The IPL’s financial power has sparked the debate between country and club in cricket. Overseas players often face the dilemma of prioritizing one over the other. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes there’s no issue with cricketers choosing the IPL over national duty. While Clarke once adhered to putting country first, he acknowledges the need for players and boards to adapt to the changing landscape of global cricket.

“Regardless of whether you’re Pat Cummins or not, if you’re not performing well, they’ll find someone else. You have to be at your best. Players like Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh have both dealt with injuries, but they’ve been included for the IPL. Players now understand the significance of this major tournament. Starc, for example, has passed up lucrative deals over the years to represent Australia, even pulling out of the Champions Trophy. But he has been open about prioritizing the IPL.When I was growing up, representing your country was the highest priority,” Clarke shared on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast

“If you’re worn out and need rest, it’s best not to take part in tournaments. Things have evolved, and it’s important to adjust accordingly. Times have changed, and we must adapt. Don’t complain when an Australian cricketer makes 2 to 3 million dollars in a few weeks. It shouldn’t outweigh international cricket, but the days of being hard on players are over.”

Clarke’s view stems from the IPL’s evolution, where past achievements no longer guarantee selection. The exclusions of players like Steve Smith and David Warner highlight that the competition is fierce, and if a player is out of the selection picture, it’s time to move on and find a replacement.

“When I look at players who’ve missed out, especially from Australia’s side, it’s notable. David Warner, who’s been part of the IPL since its inception, is now unsold, highlighting how stepping away from international cricket and not actively playing leads teams to look for other options.”

“Steve Smith had an excellent Champions Trophy and remains a top player in shorter formats. He performed well with the Sydney Sixers, but still, he’s not getting the attention. From Australia’s point of view, playing for your country matters a lot, and scoring runs or taking wickets at the right time is what these teams are really watching.”

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