Indian Premier League warning for the ECB

Last Modified: 28 Mar 2008
Source: ITN

The chief executive of the cricketers' union believes the ECB should allow England players to play in the Indian Premier League.

Huge sums have money have been offered to attract the biggest names in the sport to play in the 20-over competition, which begins next month.

The International Cricket Council is supporting the tournament but the ECB will not allow centrally-contracted players to sign up.

Kevin Pietersen has admitted hearing about lucrative offers but insists he will not jeopardise his England career.

Sean Morris, chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association, believes the ECB could be forced to let England players join.

He said: "I think if you are trying to prevent people from migrating for the money, that is not going to work because ultimately money talks and there is an awful lot of it in the IPL."

International stars Shane Warne, Jacques Kallis and Muttiah Muralitharan have all signed up for the competition and the standard of play is likely to be high.

Morris added: "The players are very excited by it and I think if you're going to restrict players contractually, the issue comes up because the opportunity is so great.

"Players will begin to look at their contracts and feel that they would want more flexibility. If you restrict employees anywhere you will create friction in the relationship and ultimately that will break it down.

"There is a wealth of talent out there and quite understandably the value of the cricketer has increased significantly through what is happening the IPL.

"It is perfectly natural for any cricketer and for the PCA to want our members to take advantage of that - it is a truly unique opportunity."

Hampshire captain Dimitri Mascarenhas is the only English player signed to play in the IPL as he does not have a central contract.

Morris said: "We want to create a proactive solution where there is a flexibility which allows players to take advantage of the IPL.

"There is much more opportunity to have successful and happy performing England players if we can create a window to let players perform in the IPL.

"The ECB need to find a solution and come to a point where they can take advantage of the increase in income in the game because you are a long time retired."

These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.