 ECB refuses to release players for IPL
8th Apr 2008 13:01 IST
Agencies
This could have serious implications for English cricket with top players like Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff rejecting a new central contract unless their involvement in the IPL is sanctioned.
Clarke was, however, undaunted by the prospect saying such an eventuality will allow younger players to cement their places in the national squad.
''It would free (Pietersen) up, and it's a risk he would take,'' he remarked. ''KP runs the risk as anybody does of losing his place. Employment contracts are not compulsory, but if you are not employed you run the risks. Cricket careers can come to an end as well as a beginning. Kevin Pietersen receives not insignificant rewards. We are putting on board significant rewards for winning series.''
''People who turn up exhausted from the IPL not necessarily going to be in a position to help their fellows earn those rewards. Cricket is a team game,'' he added.
''Thirty years ago, Tony Greig thought it was important to play in World Series Cricket and Ian Botham appeared to replace him from pretty much nowhere.''
Dimitry Mascarenhas, who has joined the Jaipur Royals, urged Clarke to soften his stance.
''I came to a compromise with Hampshire,'' he said. ''It took me 11 years to play for England and I would never miss an England one-day international. The IPL is a huge tournament and it's not going to go away. Everybody else in the world is there. I think the ECB will have to reconsider.''
The inaugural IPL runs from 18 April to 1 June with top earner Mahendra Singh Dhoni being paid 1.5 million dollars for six weeks' work. |
