England Player Franchise Cricket: IPL franchises’ expanding global footprints have caused a stir in the global cricket community. With franchises mulling a football-like annual contract for players, the cricket boards are under pressure after to retain players. New Zealand superstar pacer Trent Boult has already become a mercenary cricketer, joining the likes of AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis besides half a dozen West Indies stars. England Test coach Brendon McCullum has warned cricket boards on country vs club debate. He said it would be “naive” to think players will prefer international cricket over franchise tournaments. Follow IPL 2023 LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
McCullum believes time is not far when big names will choose big money in T20 leagues over playing international cricket. Notably, Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler Ben Stokes, Alex Hales, and Steve Smith among other superstars have already been approached for long-term franchise contracts. If signed, cricketers would need NOC from their franchises to play international cricket like it happens in football.
“In the end, the game is going in a different direction. In the last few years, there’s been a shifting of the sand somewhat around international cricket. We’d be completely naive to think that players would turn down huge amounts of money on long-term contracts for a lot less work in these T20 leagues because they should be playing international cricket,” McCullum told Sen Radio.
McCullum suggested that instead of ignoring and trying to block players, boards should find a solution. They should discuss this with franchises and reach an understanding.
“So, what you’ve got to do is you’ve got to work with these players. You got to work with these leagues and try and allow ideally players to have their cake and eat it too because you want your best players playing international cricket.
“It’s not good enough to say. You know what if they don’t want to play international cricket for us, then bugger them… we’ll move on. Find someone different, because as a spectator, you want to see the best players in the world representing their countries,” he said.
“I think you’ve got to work with them and that’s something which we’ll be challenged with.” There is speculation that year-round domestic T20 league contracts could become a reality that could potentially empower franchises to dictate terms and McCullum feels the game’s governing bodies should ensure that players return to play international fixtures for the their respective countries.
“The thing from our point of view is how do we ensure that when that decision (to play in T20 leagues for for country) comes, they’re thinking about how great of a time they have representing the England Test side,” said McCullum.
“How much fun they’ve had, how much those experiences which they’ve been able to get in an England shirt is so great that they are prepared to continue to put their yards and even though it might not be as financially viable as some of the other leagues.”
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