Pat Cummins rebukes Australian newspaper for misquoting him
What's the story
Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins has slammed an Australian newspaper for misquoting him on India's participation in the Champions Trophy.
The cricketer, who is currently out of the ICC tournament due to an ankle injury, took to X to express his disappointment with the publication for twisting his words.
He denied ever saying that the Champions Trophy was a farce or criticizing teams' ability to pick their match venues.
Misrepresentation
Cummins denies calling Champions Trophy a 'farce'
Code Cricket had tweeted on Tuesday, February 25, alleging Cummins criticized the ICC for giving India an unfair advantage in the Champions Trophy.
The publication quoted him as saying, "You can't pick and choose where you play and where you're not going to play... It makes a farce of these tournaments."
However, Cummins quickly denied these allegations, saying he never made such remarks during any interview.
Twitter Post
Here is Cummins's post!
I have definitely never said this @codecricketau https://t.co/hUri1sK4NZ
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) February 25, 2025
Original quote
Cummins's actual statement on India's advantage
In an interview with Yahoo Australia, Cummins had admitted India had a huge advantage in the Champions Trophy as it was being played at one venue.
He said, "I think it's good in that the tournament can go on, but obviously, it does give them (India) a huge advantage playing on the same ground."
He also stressed on India's strength as a team and how this unique arrangement could help them.
Information mix-up
Misattributed quote and India's tournament strategy
The quote Code Cricket attributed to Cummins was actually said by veteran English cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew.
For the 2025 Champions Trophy, Team India has opted against traveling to Pakistan and will play all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium.
Other teams based in Pakistan have to fly to Dubai for their matches against India.
If India make it to the final, it will also be played in Dubai.
Injury update
Cummins's recovery and return to cricket
Meanwhile, Cummins is currently recovering from an ankle injury and hopes to return to competitive cricket with the IPL next month. The break has also coincided with the birth of his daughter.
He said, "It's been nice to be at home with everything going on and the ankle rehab is tracking well, so I will start running and bowling this week."
The 31-year-old cricketer is looking forward to resuming training soon.