England players missing out

Pietersen wants IPL chance

Cricinfo staff

April 5, 2008

	Eye on the money: "It's silly to think that you're losing up to a million [dollars] over six weeks," says Kevin Pietersen © Getty Images

While millions of dollars have been splashed on the world's leading players England's stars have had to watch from afar as their international commitments and central contracts preclude any involvement. On the whole they have taken the party line that England comes first, but frustration is now growing.

"It's not something we can control, but it's definitely something that the hierarchy needs to fix into our fixtures," Pietersen told The Times. "You want your best players playing both for their country and for the IPL. You don't want them choosing between the two. It's silly to think that you're losing up to a million [dollars] over six weeks."

"As long as it doesn't interfere with me playing for England, then I'm all for the IPL," he said. "I won't jeopardise my England career for the IPL just yet, but the schedules have to be sorted because the England players are the only ones missing out."

Dimitri Mascarenhas is England's only representative in the first IPL tournament, having struck a deal with Hampshire to allow him two weeks in India with the Jaipur franchise. Although Mascarenhas has been part of the ODI squad over the last year he doesn't hold a central contract, so it wasn't a decision the ECB were involved with.

© Cricinfo

Add to del.icio.us | digg this | Stumble It What's this? If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content on cricket, you may use these buttons. When you add them to any of these sites, you "social bookmark" them for others to find and rate. More on del.icio.us>> More on digg>> More on stumbleupon>> Close

Current Cricinfo fantasy games - SL v Ind, Eng v SA & County Cricket Login and check the standings Live scores, results, news, features and more - a click away Download the Cricinfo Toolbar Live scores, ball-by-ball commentary & news direct to your phone Cricinfo's mobile services

Stories

Pietersen in line for record IPL contract

Bindra warns England players

County game prepares to react to IPL

Players/Umpires

Kevin Pietersen

Series/Tournaments

Indian Premier League

Teams

England