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Cummins will handle IPL riches: Langer

3 minute read

Justin Langer says Pat Cummins could be paid a "billion dollars a day" and the Australian quick would not develop an ego or change his personality.

PAT CUMMINS
PAT CUMMINS Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Even if Pat Cummins was given all the money in the world, Australia coach Justin Langer knows the fast bowler would remain level-headed.

Cummins secured a staggering $3.17 million windfall last Thursday after being picked up by Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.

The fierce bidding war ensured the star paceman became the most expensive overseas buy in IPL history.

Cummins said he was sitting at home during the auction.

"I found a stream of it and watched it and couldn't believe what I was seeing," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"The first thing my girlfriend said was 'we can buy the dog a couple more toys now', so she's got her priorities sorted."

Despite the riches of Twenty20 cricket, Langer says the 26-year-old spearhead will be able to handle the increased expectations.

"You could pay him (Cummins) a $100 million, you could pay him a $1 billion, it's not going to change him," Langer told reporters on Tuesday.

"They're the sort of people you want in your team.

"You could pay him a billion dollars a day and it's not going to change him.

"He just loves playing cricket, he's an outstanding young bloke...it's not going to affect him."

Cummins was one of three Australians to be picked up for more than a $1m in the IPL auction - the others being Glenn Maxwell ($2.2m) and Nathan Coulter-Nile ($1.6m).

Australian quick Josh Hazlewood will also play in the IPL next year but Langer has no concerns about player burnout.

"In this cycle, it's going to be hopefully really valuable (more players in the IPL) to us with T20 World Cup," Langer said.

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