The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been packed with excitement, surprises, and drama—but nothing quite stirred the cricketing world like a recent airport photograph of Australian fast bowler and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper Pat Cummins, which quickly went viral, sparking speculation that he might be leaving the tournament midway.
The photo, which shows Cummins at an unnamed airport terminal with luggage in tow, has set social media abuzz. Fans and cricket pundits alike are trying to decipher whether the World Cup-winning captain is on a brief personal trip, heading back home due to national commitments, or worse—exiting IPL 2025 prematurely.
A Picture That Raised a Storm
It all started with a seemingly innocuous photo posted by a fan who claimed to have spotted Cummins at the Mumbai airport. The cricketer was seen in casual attire, wheeling a suitcase and accompanied by what appeared to be team staff or close aides. Within minutes, hashtags like #CumminsLeaving, #SRHShock, and #PatCummins started trending on X (formerly Twitter), with fans expressing confusion, concern, and even outrage.
One user tweeted, “Please tell me Pat Cummins isn’t leaving IPL. SRH needs him more than ever right now!” Another added, “This better be a short trip or fake news. We can’t afford to lose our skipper mid-season.”
The lack of any official clarification from Sunrisers Hyderabad or Cummins himself only fueled the mystery.
What Could Be Behind the Move?
Cricket analysts have weighed in on possible reasons for Cummins’ apparent departure. One theory is that Cricket Australia (CA) may have recalled some of its key players for a short pre-tour camp ahead of Australia’s upcoming series in June. Cummins, as captain of the national Test side, would be expected to attend.
Another possibility is a personal or family commitment, which often go unannounced publicly unless they directly impact match schedules. Notably, Cummins has a young child, and players have been known to take brief breaks during long tournaments for personal reasons.
Adding to the intrigue is the timing—SRH are currently in the middle of a crucial stretch in the tournament, and Cummins has been a vital cog in their recent performances, both with the ball and in his leadership role.
No Official Word—Yet
As of now, there has been no confirmation from the SRH camp regarding Cummins’ status. Team officials have remained tight-lipped, with media inquiries being met with the standard “no comment at this time.” This silence has only deepened speculation, especially as SRH prepares for a must-win clash later this week.
Several news outlets have reached out to Cricket Australia as well, but no statement has been issued on Cummins’ travel or availability.
If he is indeed flying back home, it remains to be seen whether it is a short break or an early exit from IPL 2025.
Fans Split Between Panic and Hope
The incident has divided the SRH fanbase and IPL followers in general. While some are bracing for the worst, others are more optimistic. A large section of fans is urging patience, pointing out that players often fly out for personal or promotional reasons, and that jumping to conclusions based on one photograph may not be justified.
There’s also hope that Cummins might simply be heading to a different city for media duties or a short event—a common occurrence during the IPL.
What’s at Stake for SRH?
If Cummins does step away, even temporarily, it would be a big blow for SRH, who have relied heavily on his tactical acumen and calm leadership. Under his captaincy, the franchise has seen a renewed sense of direction, especially in defending tight totals and rotating their bowling resources effectively.
Should he be unavailable, the team may turn to vice-captain Aiden Markram or veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar to take over leadership duties.
Final Overs Yet to Be Played
For now, Pat Cummins’ airport photo has become the IPL’s biggest off-field mystery. Whether it’s a brief detour or a season-ending departure, the coming days will bring clarity. Until then, fans are left with a question hanging in the air—has the Aussie skipper truly flown out of the IPL, or is this just a turbulent rumor ready to land?