The English batter Jason Roy has shocked the cricket world by cancelling his ECB contract in order to sign with the Major League Cricket (MLC), the newly announced T20 franchise league in United States of America. Roy has taken the brave decision just before the ODI World Cup 2023 but has assured everyone that he is committed towards England cricket and will prioritise that.
“England Men’s white-ball batter Jason Roy has informed the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that he wishes to take up an agreement with Major League Cricket in the USA later this summer,” the ECB clarified in an official statement.
“The ECB have agreed for him to play in the competition on the proviso that he gives up the remainder of his ECB incremental contract, which both parties have agreed to,” the statement further read.
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“As a single format player with no central contract I wanted to take the opportunity to play this competition as there are currently no scheduling conflicts with England. It benefits me as and England player to play as much as competitive cricket as possible,” Jason Roy said this after his MLC deal.
Roy further stated that his, “priority is England cricket, especially with a World Cup soon upon us.”
“The ECB wish to clarify that this decision will not affect Jason’s selection for England teams going forward. We have absolute confidence and faith that Jason is committed to England cricket,” ECB backed Roy’s statement.
Jason Roy has ushered in a new era for centrally contracted England players and many other famous English cricketers like Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Jonny Bairstow are receiving enticing deals.