“I am not and never…,” Jason Roy issues statement after reports of him giving up ECB contract for franchise deal does the rounds

The England batter explained his decision to move to MLC while insisting that he still has hopes to represent England in the upcoming World Cup.

“I am not and never…,” Jason Roy issues statement after reports of him giving up ECB contract for franchise deal does the rounds

Jason Roy issues statement.

England cricketer Jason Roy issued a statement on Thursday after multiple reports claimed that the batter has given up his central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for a franchise deal. Roy condemned all such reports saying he will never walk away from England. The World Cup-winning batter also said that he sought permission from ECB before landing a contract with Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket.

Roy, however, accepted that he has agreed on an agreement with the ECB wherein he will give up his remaining amount with the central board. Interestingly, Roy is currently contracted by the ECB on a so-called incremental deal until October, which gives the governing body some control over his schedule. However, if he gives up on the central contract, he could become a free bird.

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The swashbuckling batter, who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, has been offered a two-year deal worth around £300,000 by the Major League Cricket franchise. Roy will be playing for LAKR before returning to England to take part in The Hundred where plays for Oval Invincibles.

Related: IPL hits English cricket for a six, tempts players with lucrative contracts 

Jason Roy clears his intentions

jason roy england

The England batter explained his decision to move to MLC while insisting that he still has hopes of representing England in the forthcoming ICC World Cup in India later this year.

“Following a bit of unwanted speculation over the last 24 hours, I wanted to clarify that I am not and never will “walk away from England. Representing my country continues to be my proudest moment as a professional cricketer. I hope to play for England for many more years, that remains my priority,” said Roy in a statement.

“I’ve had clear and supportive conversations with the ECB about participating in Major League Cricket. The ECB were happy with me playing in the American competition as long as they didn’t have to pay me for the remainder of the contractual year,” he said

“As a single-format player with no central contract, I wanted to take the opportunity to play in this competition as there are currently no scheduling conflicts with England. It benefits me as an England player to play as much competitive cricket as possible. Just to be very clear, my priority is England cricket, especially with a World Cup soon upon us. It is for me, and for any player, the greatest honour to receive a cap to play for their country,” Roy further explained.

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