English cricketers who play white-ball matches are currently in talks to secure their release from contracts with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to pursue lucrative offers to play in the inaugural season of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States. This exciting new cricket league, MLC, has captured their attention, presenting enticing opportunities for these players to not only earn significant rewards but also explore a fresh chapter in their careers. Join us as we delve deeper into the captivating story of English cricketers venturing into the realm of MLC over ECB and the journey that awaits them in American cricket.
MLC over ECB Opportunity – Jason Roy Set to Terminate ECB Contract?
English players who are on full central contracts may not participate in the upcoming MLC (Major League Cricket) this year. However, Jason Roy, who currently holds an incremental deal with the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board), has made it clear that he intends to terminate his contract to seize the opportunity to play in the prestigious league.
Jason Roy, a key player in England’s white-ball cricket, has informed the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) about MLC over ECB that he wants to play in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA this summer. The ECB has agreed to this on one condition: Jason Roy must give up the rest of his ECB incremental contract. Both sides have agreed to this arrangement.
Jason Roy Clarifies His Priorities and Departure from ECB
In a tweet, Jason Roy addresses concerns about his departure from the ECB and his commitment to playing for England.
Following recent speculations, Jason Roy took to Twitter to clarify his stance on leaving the ECB. He emphasized that representing his country has always been his top priority, and his decision to terminate his contract was driven by his status as a specialist player in one format. Roy stated that he made this choice to explore additional opportunities while still ensuring his commitment to England remains intact. Therefore, it is evident from his tweet that it is not a matter of MLC over ECB, but rather a strategic move to capitalize on another opportunity.
Reece Topley Contemplates MLC over ECB Opportunity, Pending Fitness Evaluation
Reece Topley, a teammate of Jason Roy in Surrey and England, is considering the advantages of a similar move to Major League Cricket (MLC). However, his final decision is contingent upon his fitness evaluation following shoulder surgery conducted last month.
In other news: World Cup Qualifiers Unveiled: Rivalry Reignited as Former Champions Face Off in Opposing Groups
MLC Schedule Conflicts with English Summer Cricket
Major League Cricket (MLC), scheduled to be held from July 13-30 at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas, has garnered significant support from India and Australia. Four out of the six franchises boast IPL team owners as investors, and Cricket Victoria and Cricket New South Wales hold stakes in the remaining two.
The inaugural season of MLC presents a minor scheduling conflict with the English summer cricket season. The T20 Blast semi-finals and finals are set to take place on July 15, while there are two rounds of County Championship fixtures between Finals Day and the commencement of the Hundred on August 1. Concerns have arisen within English cricket circles as there is apprehension that MLC’s future expansion could directly clash with the Hundred.
ECB Restricts NOCs for MLC Participation, Incremental Contracts Present Financial Incentives
The ECB has made it clear that it will not grant No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to contracted players, preventing them from participating in Major League Cricket (MLC). While players on full white-ball contracts are unlikely to seek releases to play in the United States, it would be financially advantageous for those on incremental deals.
The ECB’s incremental contracts serve as valuable supplements to county salaries, amounting to approximately £66,000 per year. Within the 2022-23 contract cycle, six players have secured such deals: Harry Brook, Dawid Malan, Matthew Potts, Jason Roy, Reece Topley, and David Willey.
