Australia captain Pat Cummins has denied reports claiming that he and other senior players were considering skipping the Big Bash League (BBL) in favor of South Africa’s SA20 from 2028 if their salaries were not increased.
According to the reports, several Australian players were said to be considering requests for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from Cricket Australia to play in the SA20. The reports claimed the players were seeking what they viewed as fair market value for their participation.
The same reports suggested that Big Bash League players could earn around AUD 1 million per season.
They also stated that Australia’s pace trio of Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood had each been offered AUD 800,000 as pre-auction sign-on fees to play in The Hundred in 2026.
However, accepting those offers would reportedly have ruled them out of Australia’s two-match Test series against Bangladesh.
Cummins firmly rejected the claims on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “Everything you’ve written about me in this about SA20 NOC and The Hundred offer is made up.”
Everything you’ve written about me in this about SAT20 NOC and The Hundred offer is made up 👍
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) May 14, 2026
The reports emerged amid wider discussions around Australian player contracts and central deals.
Earlier this month, George Bailey, Australia’s chair of selectors, moved to ease concerns over players allegedly rejecting initial contract offers. He described such developments as a routine part of negotiations.
Meanwhile, the Australia national cricket team is set to return to international action with a three-match ODI series against Pakistan, beginning on May 30 in Rawalpindi. Mitchell Marsh will captain the side in Cummins’ absence.
