With an increasing trend of players prioritising franchise-based T20 leagues in the global cricket landscape, English cricketers like Roy are in high demand across various leagues. This shift in loyalty towards league commitments prompts players to assess the amount of time they want to devote to national duties.
Six players from England, including Roy, Topley, Harry Brook, Dawid Malan, Matthew Potts, and David Willey, currently hold incremental contracts with the ECB. These contracts, valued at approximately GBP 66,000 per year, serve as a salary top-up for county cricketers.
The ECB released a statement saying, “England Men’s white-ball batter Jason Roy has informed the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that he wishes to take up an agreement with Major League Cricket in the USA later this summer. The ECB have agreed for him to play in the competition on the proviso that he gives up the remainder of his ECB incremental contract, which both parties have agreed to. The ECB wish to clarify that this decision will not affect Jason’s selection for England teams going forward. We have absolute confidence and faith that Jason is committed to England cricket.”
Roy himself emphasised his commitment to playing for the England national team, stating, “I am not and never will ‘walk away from England. Representing my country continues to be my proudest moment as a professional cricketer. I hope to play for England for many more years; that remains my priority.”
Roy explained that his decision was influenced by the fact that he does not hold a central contract. As a player specialising in a single format without a central contract, he saw the opportunity to participate in the MLC as a way to gain valuable competitive cricket experience, especially since there are currently no scheduling conflicts with England fixtures.
The inaugural edition of Major League Cricket is scheduled to take place from July 13 to 30 this year at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. The league has received substantial support from India and Australia, with four IPL team owners investing in MLC franchises. Additionally, Cricket Victoria and Cricket New South Wales from Australia hold stakes in the remaining two teams.
However, the MLC’s first edition coincides with the English summer schedule, with the T20 Blast semi-finals and final taking place on July 15, alongside two County Championship games. Furthermore, the ECB’s Hundred tournament is set to commence on August 1.
Due to these fixture clashes, the ECB will not issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to allow their contracted players to participate in the MLC. While fully-contracted players are unable to negotiate a release with the ECB, those with incremental contracts have the flexibility to do so.
(With inputs from PTI)
