English Players Offered Lucrative IPL Contracts, Moving Towards Football-Style Model
In an intriguing development, at least six England cricket players have received tempting full-time yearly contracts from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners. These franchise owners also have stakes in various cricket leagues worldwide, expanding their influence beyond IPL. The Times reports that among the six players are renowned international stars currently participating in the ongoing 16th season of IPL.
Should these contracts be accepted, it would signify a significant shift for the English players, as they would become employees of Indian franchises rather than being under the purview of the England Cricket Board (ECB) or English counties. This move reflects the increasing global reach of IPL franchises, with teams participating in T20 tournaments in the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, the Caribbean, and the upcoming Major League Cricket in the United States.
Notably, Saudi Arabia’s cricket authorities have also expressed interest in establishing the world’s largest cricket league. According to reports, the Saudi government is engaged in discussions with IPL owners to establish this lucrative new competition. Such developments indicate the potential transformation of cricket towards a model akin to the world of football.
The contracts being offered to the players are expected to be highly lucrative, with potential annual values surpassing £2 million and even reaching up to £5 million. These figures far exceed the value of the highest England central contracts, illustrating the financial appeal of joining the IPL franchises. Richard Gould, CEO of the ECB, recently acknowledged the matter and hinted at possible increases in match fees for England players, as well as the potential for multi-year contracts being offered to select players.