Jason Gillespie accuses Pat Cummins of IPL over Australia, issues clarification after abuse

Jason Gillespie takes sly dig at Pat Cummins [Source: @SUNRISERSU, @PKohliReturns/X.com]

Pat Cummins is set to skip the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after a minor setback to his chronic back injury. The fast bowler chose fitness over the global event, citing a packed schedule ahead. 

While Cricket Australia backed the call, former pacer Jason Gillespie was not convinced. He took a dig at the captain’s priorities and added fuel to an already heated discussion, especially with the IPL still on Cummins’ radar.

Jason Gillespie takes a blunt take on IPL vs World Cup debate

Former Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie questioned the timing of Pat Cummins’ recovery. He pointed out the irony of missing a World Cup but still expecting to play the IPL.  Cummins is set to captain Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026, which begins in late March.

Jason Gillespie

@dizzy259

He will be fit for IPL. #reality

However, after backlash, Jason Gillespie made it clear that he was not questioning Cummins’ commitment to Australia. 

But he suggested that the Adelaide Test may have slowed down his recovery. Despite that, Gillespie felt Cummins would still be fit in time for the IPL.

"Please do not get me wrong- Pat Cummins is fully committed to playing for Australia. The Adelaide Test, imo, has set him back significantly in his recovery from his back injury. He will be fit for IPL- there is no denying that to be fair," Jason Gillespie said on X.

Jason Gillespie

@dizzy259

Please do not get me wrong- Pat Cummins is fully committed to playing for Australia. The Adelaide Test, imo, has set him back significantly in his recovery from his back injury. He will be fit for IPL- there is no denying that to be fair. @BowlingCartel @stillnotoutpod

Regardless, Jason’s comment was seen as a sharp dig. It reopened the old debate about franchise cricket versus international duty. 

Fans and experts remain divided on whether a player should miss a World Cup but return for a league tournament.

Pat Cummins skips the T20 World Cup to protect fitness

For those unversed, Pat Cummins opted out of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka and India to manage his long-term fitness. The Australian captain has been dealing with a back issue since last year. Doctors advised him to avoid rushing back too soon.

Cummins has played very little cricket in recent months. Apart from the Ashes-deciding Test in Adelaide, he missed most of the home summer. After that match, Australia decided to rest him further.

With Cummins unavailable, Australia named left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis as his replacement. The team management stressed that the priority is keeping Cummins fit for Test cricket and the heavy workload coming up from August. 

The pacer himself said he would be guided by scans and medical advice before making any return.

Australia face a packed and demanding future

That being said, Australia’s cricket calendar over the next 18 months is intense. The season begins in August with a home Test series against Bangladesh. Soon after, Australia tour South Africa for Tests and ODIs.

Later in the year, New Zealand visit Australia for a four-match Test series. In 2027, the team will travel to India for a five-match Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy. That will be followed by the special 150th anniversary pink-ball Test against England at the MCG.

The road does not end there. Australia then head to England for the Ashes. After that comes the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa. There is also the chance of playing the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.

With so much cricket ahead, selectors want Pat Cummins fresh and available. That context explains his World Cup call.