Adam Zampa drops bombshell on skipping IPL 2026: ‘I just don’t get the money’

Despite his proven credentials at the international level, Adam Zampa has struggled to replicate the same success in the IPL.

Updated on: Apr 1, 2026, 13:35:04 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Adam Zampa has explained why he opted out of the ongoing IPL season, choosing not to register for the mini-auction. Zampa, who made his IPL debut in 2016, featured for Sunrisers Hyderabad last season, playing just two matches and picking up two wickets at an economy of 11.75. The Australian leg-spinner said that, after assessing his abilities and the demands of the two-month IPL schedule, he felt the financial package on offer did not match his expectations.

Adam Zampa has skipper IPL this season and playing is PSL. (AP)

Despite his proven credentials at the international level, Zampa has struggled to replicate the same success in the IPL. Over 22 matches in the league, he has taken 31 wickets at an economy rate of 8.38, falling short of expectations. This inconsistent performance has affected his market value, preventing him from becoming a key player for any of the four franchises he has represented. In the previous season, Sunrisers Hyderabad signed him for INR 2.4 crore, but Zampa failed to make a significant impact, raising questions about his future in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Zampa has been playing in this season’s PSL for Karachi Kings. In a recent interview, he candidly discussed his decision to skip the IPL, citing the demanding schedule and financial considerations as key reasons for sitting out this year.

"I pulled out of the IPL this year. To be brutally honest, for someone with my skill set, I just don’t get the money that is there for other skill sets. And for the amount of time that the IPL takes, it just didn’t seem like a reasonable choice for me to keep playing it,” Zampa said on the ARY Podcast.

Also Read - Shreyas Iyer becomes the first offender of IPL 2026, BCCI rolls out heavy punishment for Punjab Kings captain

“I’m enjoying PSL”

In the ongoing PSL 2026, Zampa has made a strong start, picking up three wickets in just two matches while maintaining an impressive economy of 4.62. Beyond the league, he remains a key figure for Australia in T20Is, leading the charts with 147 wickets from 115 games.

The Aussie leg-spinner revealed that his decision to join the PSL came together quickly, admitting he had initially planned a break but couldn’t resist the opportunity to play, and is now thoroughly enjoying his time in the tournament.

“I was going to have a break, but PSL was on the radar about a month ago. It all happened pretty quickly, but I’m enjoying it,” Zampa added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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