Australian Test cricket captain Pat Cummins finds himself at the centre of a fresh controversy after Cricket Australia unveiled a major new sponsorship agreement with one of the country's largest energy suppliers, Origin Energy.
Climate Champion Faces Sponsorship Scrutiny
The announcement on Monday has placed the prominent climate advocate in a potentially awkward position, given his longstanding and vocal support for environmental causes. Cummins, who founded the Cricket For Climate charity in 2021, has previously faced criticism from some quarters who branded him a 'woke far left climate catastrophist clown'.
The 32-year-old fast bowler has consistently used his platform to campaign for greater awareness around climate change. In 2022, he penned an essay in The Guardian arguing that sport could help provide solutions to the climate crisis. More recently, in August, he lobbied Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to establish a government-backed $100m fund, known as Sport Forever, to help grassroots clubs cope with climate change impacts.
History of Environmental Advocacy
This isn't the first time Cummins has expressed concerns about cricket's commercial partnerships. Back in 2022, he approached former Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley to voice his objections to the governing body's $40m deal with energy provider Alinta, which has since concluded.
At the time, Cummins told The Sydney Morning Herald: 'I've got my own personal views so when it comes to personal sponsorships, there are some companies I wouldn't want to align with.' He added: 'When we're getting money, whether it's programs for junior cricket, grassroots, things for fans around Australia, I feel a real responsibility that with that, we're doing on balance what is the right thing.'
Unexpected Support and Net Zero Ambitions
Despite this history, Cummins has thrown his support behind the new partnership with Origin Energy. Following Monday's announcement, he stated: 'Through Cricket for Climate, we've been working to future-proof local clubs with solar, battery and education solutions. This partnership between Cricket Australia and Origin will help us take that mission further.'
The fast bowler's endorsement comes despite Origin Energy being one of Australia's biggest gas and electricity companies. However, the company has committed to a Climate Action Transition Plan with a target of achieving net zero by 2050.
Interestingly, Cricket For Climate has already been working with Origin Zero, an offshoot of Origin Energy focused on helping businesses reduce bills and lower carbon footprints, for approximately eighteen months. Cricket Australia maintains that the new sponsorship deal emerged independently from Cummins' existing relationship with the company.
As part of the three-year platinum partnership, Origin Energy logos will appear on the Australian team's shirts during the upcoming Ashes series. The company joins other major sponsors including NRMA Insurance, KFC and Toyota, while Westpac retains its position as principal partner.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg expressed delight about the new arrangement, highlighting Origin's commitment to supporting community cricket through contributions to the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund.
Meanwhile, Cummins continues his recovery from a back injury that has ruled him out of the first Test against England in Perth beginning Friday. The skipper was spotted bowling in the nets to teammate Marnus Labuschagne on Monday, moving freely and showing good form despite his absence from the upcoming match.
The Australian captain has previously responded to criticism about his environmental stance, revealing that taunts like 'Captain Planet' from mates don't bother him. He told ABC that such comments actually 'emboldened him' to be more outspoken and maintain his position on important issues.
