Agreement Nears For IPL And England

After a long-term debate regarding England players’ participation in the Indian Premier League, it has been reported that a compromise is in the near future.

The earlier suggestion of only allowing 15 days for England players to participate in the IPL was thrown out, regarded as not being enough time and not fulfilling the involved franchises’ desires for the tournament.

Now it has allegedly been suggested that England players could stay for longer but still be back in time for England’s first home Test against West Indies at Lord’s on 6 May.

The match begins a busy season for England, which include the Ashes series with Australia.

This proposition still means, though, that some England players will not be back in time for County Championship, which occurs before the Lord’s Test.

The conflict with the IPL and England players began when concern surfaced about whether those that participate in the Indian tournament would be able to play in England games as well. Additionally, there was question whether the players would be prepared for the coming season.

England’s new captain Andrew Strauss, however, has said he ‘trusts’ the players to be prepared for their domestic matches come May.

The IPL tournament is expected to start on 10 April and run for seven weeks. The deadline for players to be entered into the IPL auction is 4 February.

The Professional Cricketers Association are playing a role in the negotiations and eager to find a compromise soon regarding the tournament, as it is dedicated to making sure England is not the only country that would be absent from the IPL.