Australian captain Pat Cummins will return to the Sydney Thunder this season - but don't expect to see the superstar paceman line up in the Big Bash.
As he prepares for the home summer against Pakistan and West Indies, the 30-year-old has signed on with the Thunder on a unique marquee supplementary contract.
The deal will see Cummins act as the 19th player in the Thunder squad, sitting just outside the main roster, and will only be activated should he become available during a break from international duties.
MORE: Tired of tradition? Create new memories this year with The Bottle-O.
Cummins hasn't played in the BBL since 2019 and has previously represented both Sydney-based clubs in the domestic T20 competition.
MORE: Who will replace David Warner in the Australian team?
Pat Cummins joins Sydney Thunder for BBL|13
In a statement released on Tuesday, the right-arm quick explained his decision to return to his roots and hope to make a difference for the Thunder in their bid to claim a second BBL title.
“I’m a Western Sydney guy at heart so I’m really glad I can be a part of the team this summer," he said.
"International duties dictate I can’t be around as much as I’d like, but I’m keen to have a voice and back the guys all the way."
“I’m a Western Sydney guy at heart so I’m really glad I can be a part of the team this summer."
— Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL) December 12, 2023
Pat Cummins signs as a marquee supplementary player ▶️ https://t.co/799dHzNZyu#ThunderNation pic.twitter.com/GNgbDPEU6a
Cummins's teammate in the Test lineup, David Warner, is also part of the Thunder squad, but is expected to play the back-half of the season after his retirement.
The club's head of cricket and former Australian captain Adam Gilchrist welcomed the addition of Cummins.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have Pat on board," he said.
"He’s a true great of the game and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has had a terrific impact on the team every year he’s been involved and I’m sure it’ll be the same even from a far this time around.”
MORE: Tired of tradition? Create new memories this year with The Bottle-O.
Sydney Thunder will kick off their BBL|13 campaign on Tuesday night against the Brisbane Heat.
Will Pat Cummins play in the Big Bash?
Despite signing on with the Thunder, it's not expected that Cummins will line up on the field for the side given the taxing international schedule.
This year's BBL tournament will conclude with the final on January 24th, with the Aussies in the midst of their Test series against West Indies at that stage.
