'I probably won't go' - Pat Cummins confirms he is doubtful for IPL 2021 UAE leg

The second leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to start on September 19 in the UAE with a blockbuster game between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. 31 matches are yet to be played and slowly, the issue of overseas players availability is also getting solved. However, Australia pacer Pat Cummins is doubtful for the tournament and Kolkata Knight Riders might have to look for his replacement in the squad.

Cummins has been the highest wicket-taker for his team in the first leg picking up nine wickets in seven matches. He has also scored 93 runs so far in five innings at a strike-rate of 166.07. His absence could hurt KKR as the Australian, apart from picking key wickets, has also batted well down the order. Rather he almost won a game for the franchise against CSK, despite the top six failing, with an unbeaten 66.

Cummins and his wife expecting baby during IPL

Pat Cummins himself confirmed during the Live Q&A session on his Youtube channel that he is doubtful for the UAE leg of the IPL. His wife Becky Boston is pregnant and their baby is due during the T20 tournament itself. Moreover, the travel restrictions due to COVID-19 makes it tough for the pace bowler and especially in Australia, the restrictions are extremely strict.

However, Cummins also said that he is yet to take an official call on his availability for the IPL. “Unfortunately, at this stage I probably won’t going to the IPL. I haven’t made an official call on it. But my partner is pregnant and our baby is due in the middle of the IPL. At the moment, there is travel restriction getting back to Australia, you got to do 2 weeks quarantine.

“There is probably going to be some days quarantine going to UAE. So for second half this season it’s going to be really tough to get over there,” he said. As far as the IPL is concerned, the tournament is set to be played till October 15 and the T20 World Cup will commence on October 17. Pat Cummins, however, is hopeful that he will be fine to feature in the WC for Australia.