<p>Former skipper Ian Chappell feels the top Australian cricketers are obliged to give priority to the country's domestic competitions over the cash-rich IPL as their financial needs are well taken care of by Cricket Australia.</p>.<p>As many as 13 Australian cricketers currently have lucrative deals with IPL franchises with premier fast bowler Pat Cummins fetching a whopping 15.5 crores contract from Kolkata Knight Riders, making him the most expensive foreign player in the league.</p>.<p>There is speculation that the 13th IPL, which was suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, might be conducted in October-November if the T20 World Cup in Australia is postponed.</p>.<p>If that happens, it will also put the IPL in collision with Australia's domestic season, including the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup.</p>.<p>"The top players are looked after very well by Cricket Australia these days, so I think there's an obligation there," Chappell told Wide World of Sports.</p>.<p>"I could mount a case more for a peripheral player who doesn't earn a lot of money in Australia; if the bulk of his income is going to come from the IPL, well that’s something I would have some sympathy for if I was a CA board member.</p>.<p>"But the top players are well paid, and that argument doesn't hold any water. Their obligation should be to Australia," he added.</p>.<p>Several Australian cricketers, including Cummins and David Warner, have expressed their keenness to play in the IPL if it is held this year. </p>
<p>Former skipper Ian Chappell feels the top Australian cricketers are obliged to give priority to the country's domestic competitions over the cash-rich IPL as their financial needs are well taken care of by Cricket Australia.</p>.<p>As many as 13 Australian cricketers currently have lucrative deals with IPL franchises with premier fast bowler Pat Cummins fetching a whopping 15.5 crores contract from Kolkata Knight Riders, making him the most expensive foreign player in the league.</p>.<p>There is speculation that the 13th IPL, which was suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, might be conducted in October-November if the T20 World Cup in Australia is postponed.</p>.<p>If that happens, it will also put the IPL in collision with Australia's domestic season, including the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup.</p>.<p>"The top players are looked after very well by Cricket Australia these days, so I think there's an obligation there," Chappell told Wide World of Sports.</p>.<p>"I could mount a case more for a peripheral player who doesn't earn a lot of money in Australia; if the bulk of his income is going to come from the IPL, well that’s something I would have some sympathy for if I was a CA board member.</p>.<p>"But the top players are well paid, and that argument doesn't hold any water. Their obligation should be to Australia," he added.</p>.<p>Several Australian cricketers, including Cummins and David Warner, have expressed their keenness to play in the IPL if it is held this year. </p>