Pat Cummins’ manager reveals how cricket administrators are killing Test cricket

Pat Cummins’ long-time player agent says cricket administrators are “killing” the game and that he cannot envisage players focusing on Test cricket into the future.

Pat Cummins’ long-time player agent says cricket administrators are “killing” the game and that he cannot envisage players focusing on Test cricket into the future.

As the prospect of a second Indian Premier League window beckons, international cricket is appearing increasingly marginalised, leading former Sheffield Shield player, ex-Cricket NSW director and veteran player manager Neil Maxwell to bemoan the future of the sport.

“There’s just so much cricket,” Maxwell told RSN on Tuesday, pointing the finger at boards including Cricket Australia.

“I think the full member countries are definitely to blame because there’s no structure and no context to the game of cricket.

“The game has lost all sight of what’s important. Everyone’s just wanting to play cricket for the sake of playing it. Some of the most meaningless games of cricket around the world will be taking place.

“The ICC is a meaningless body, it’s just an event organiser that organises World Cups now…it’s the full member boards basically.”

Maxwell, whose company manages Australian captain Cummins along with fellow quick Josh Hazlewood and has also been Mike Hussey’s long-time agent, said the financial opportunities on offer on the short-form white-ball circuit provided little incentive for the next generation of prospective Test cricketers to focus on their red ball skills.

Pat Cummins’ long-time player agent says cricket administrators are “killing” the game. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“As sad as it sounds, there’s no way in the world a player would be focused on Test cricket. We’ve got the most amazing Test team at the moment, and they’re winning everything before them, which is brilliant to see. Where does the No. 14 player get a game? It ain’t happening, and it’s not going to happen,” Maxwell said.

“There’ll be a changing of the guard in the next two to three years, there’s no doubt about that, but we’re going to miss two or three generations of cricketers who are vying for 11 spots when they’re being offered 500 spots around the world in other formats of the game. So we’ve got to be honest with ourselves. These players have to make a living, otherwise they’re going to be pottering around in Sheffield Shield cricket trying to get one spot in the next five to 10 years. So it just doesn’t add up, does it?”

Maxwell also bemoaned a lack of prize money being directed towards players at ICC events, as well as the proliferation of World Cups. Under the current ICC global broadcasts rights deal, there is a senior men’s ICC title up for grabs every year.

“FICA (the global player union body) is fighting to try and get an elevation of two per cent to three per cent for prize money in World Cups. The Matildas with due respect who finished fourth in the World Cup make more money than the Australian players do for winning the World Cup.

“We’re diluting the product by having a World Cup every year. So the players lose a World Cup and they’ve got another one in six months. I’m sorry to sound cynical because I really don’t want to be, because I do love the game of cricket, but when you look at these points, facts basically, it becomes stupid. The game is ridiculous.

“Unfortunately we’re killing a game that’s such a big part of our history.”

Originally published as Pat Cummins’ manager reveals how cricket administrators are killing Test cricket