The Australian skipper Pat Cummins is prepared for his next assignment in the USA for the upcoming season of Major League Cricket (MLC). The financial allure of the tournament is notable, with average players earning up to INR 2.5 crore for seven games and a couple of final matches. In comparison, Cummins earned approximately INR 1.8 crore per match during the recent IPL 2024 season.
For this MLC season, Cummins has been signed by the San Francisco Unicorns. The team’s lead investors, Anand Rajaraman and Venky Harinarayan, are ardent fans of Cummins, and their admiration goes beyond his cricketing prowess.
“Of course, we’re huge fans of Pat Cummins and really wanted him to join the team, but what really helps us out is how tech-savvy and forward-thinking he is. He’s considering his career beyond cricket and is interested in the intersection of technology and cricket, even after his playing days,” Rajaraman told the Sydney Morning Herald.
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The alignment of interests in technology played a significant role in bringing Cummins to the Unicorns. The team has connections with prominent figures in the tech industry, including the CEOs of YouTube and Adobe, offering Cummins a unique opportunity to explore Silicon Valley’s innovative environment. Cummins’ manager, Neil Maxwell, emphasized this learning aspect as a major draw for the cricketer.
It’s Official Pat Cummins Signs For San Francisco Unicorns For MLC 2024! pic.twitter.com/l99K91K4TX
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“He’s a very curious individual who enjoys learning about new things. The range of people connected to this franchise, including high-profile tech CEOs, opens up Silicon Valley to him,” Neil Maxwell explained.
Additionally, the San Francisco Unicorns are supported by Cricket Victoria, while Cummins’ home state, New South Wales (NSW), backs Washington Freedom. The Unicorns’ investors approached Cricket Victoria’s chief, Nick Cummins, about the signing.
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Nick clarified that while Pat is not seeking more cricket-playing opportunities, the chance to delve into Silicon Valley’s tech scene made the offer appealing. The move to the MLC not only broadens Pat Cummins’ cricketing horizons but also allows him to engage with cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking individuals, aligning perfectly with his post-cricket aspirations.
