Mumbai: Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa has revealed why he chose to skip the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, citing financial considerations and limited opportunities for players with his skillset.
Zampa, who was released by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the season, opted not to register for the IPL auction and is instead featuring in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Karachi Kings.
Financial realities behind IPL decision
Speaking about his decision, Zampa was candid about the financial dynamics of the IPL auction, particularly for overseas wrist-spinners.
“To be brutally honest, for someone with my skillset, I just don’t get the money that is there for other skillsets,” he said on a podcast.
He explained that the time commitment required for the IPL did not align with the financial returns he typically receives in the tournament.
“For the amount of time that the IPL takes, it just didn’t seem like a reasonable choice for me to keep playing it,” he added.
Limited demand for overseas spinners
Zampa’s comments shed light on a broader trend within the IPL, where franchises tend to prioritise overseas batters, all-rounders and fast bowlers over specialist spinners.
With only four overseas players allowed in a playing XI, teams often rely on India’s deep pool of spin talent rather than investing heavily in overseas options. This reduces both opportunities and auction value for players like Zampa.
Despite being regarded as one of the top white-ball spinners globally, Zampa has had a stop-start IPL career. Since making his debut in 2016 for Rising Pune Supergiants, he has also represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals.
However, he has never played more than six matches in a single season. Across 22 IPL appearances, he has taken 31 wickets at an economy rate of 8.37.
PSL opportunity comes calling
Zampa revealed that his move to the PSL was not part of his original plan. The leg-spinner had initially intended to take a break before the opportunity with Karachi Kings emerged.
“I was going to have a break but PSL was on the radar a month ago. It all happened really quick,” he said.
The Pakistan Super League has increasingly become an attractive alternative for international players, offering competitive cricket and, in some cases, more defined roles within teams.
IPL career and challenges
While Zampa has enjoyed success in international cricket, replicating that consistency in the IPL has proven challenging due to limited chances and team combinations.
Franchises often prefer multi-dimensional overseas players who can contribute with both bat and ball, or explosive batters who can dominate in the shorter format. This has made it difficult for specialist bowlers, particularly spinners, to secure regular spots.
Additionally, India’s strong domestic spin talent pool means teams can rely on local players without using up an overseas slot.
Conclusion
Adam Zampa’s decision to skip IPL 2026 highlights the evolving dynamics of franchise cricket, where financial returns, role clarity and playing opportunities play a crucial role in player participation.
While the IPL remains the most prestigious T20 league in the world, alternative competitions like the PSL are offering players viable options to showcase their skills and maximise their careers.
For Zampa, the move represents a practical decision aimed at balancing workload, financial returns and consistent game time—factors that are increasingly influencing modern cricketers.