NEWS
Follow UsAdam Zampa, the T20I and ODI World Cup-winning leg spinner, has admitted that he doesn’t get the “same buzz” as international cricket while practising his trade in franchise cricket.
Zampa was quite active in franchise cricket leagues in 2023; however, that was to get him fully prepared and in the groove for the ODI World Cup in India. Apart from playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Rajasthan Royals (he picked eight wickets in six games), Zampa also played in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States of America and the Hundred in England.
Zampa was due to return to the Royals camp in 2024 but withdrew from the competition to spend more time with his family at home. The leggie felt that doing so would also allow him to extend his career for Australia and play as long as he could.
“There’s always a lot of chat about ‘can you play franchise cricket all year round’, and it was something I had thought about – at what age do I get through to try to play a bit of franchise cricket then,” Zampa told The Age.
“But after 2023 and winning the World Cup and all that, and having a young family now as well, I’ve realised I want to play cricket for as long as I can, and instead of trying to play for nine or 10 months of the year, it’s played for six or seven.”
Zampa also admitted that the great environment provided by head coach Andrew McDonald and skipper Pat Cummins makes him enjoy his cricket. Moreover, his contract with Cricket Australia has allowed him the freedom to opt out of lucrative T20 league stints.
“I’ve really come to love playing for Australia. I always loved it, but playing under Dan Vettori, Andrew McDonald and Pat and Mitch as captains, it is just so enjoyable. I make good money playing for Australia and I would love to prioritise playing for Australia and being with my family,” Zampa said.
“I don’t get enough out of franchise cricket. It’s great for certain aspects of your life, and it can be really enjoyable, but it’s not like being in the Aussie dressing room, not for me anyway. I don’t get the same buzz out of it.”
Zampa also accepted that if he had played the IPL, he would have “dreaded” going to the World Cup because of the short turnaround time between the two tournaments. The three-month break before the World Cup has not only rejuvenated the leggie but also allowed him time to spend with his wife and kid.
“The last three months have probably been the best three months of my life. I think if I’d gone to the IPL and I was home now for a few days I think I’d be really dreading going,” Zampa said honestly.
“I haven’t had a break like this since my son was born, and that’s different to what I’ve had now. It gives me a bit of an idea of what life could look like after cricket, and it does excite me. But still a long way away, I think.”
Australia begin their World Cup journey against Oman on June 6.
