24 December,2009 01:34 PM IST | | PTI
Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is likely to stay away from next year's Indian Premier League, thereby putting his country before the cash awash Twenty20 extravaganza for the third year in a row.
The 28-year-old Queenslander's manager Sam Halvorsen said Johnson, who would have been one of the most sought-after names at the January 19 auction, is likely to give the third edition of the tournament a miss, a decision which may have cost him $2,00,000.
| u00a0 |
| Mitchell Johnson |
Halvorsen said apart from keeping himself fresh for national duty, Johnson's decision to skip the March 12 to April 25-slated tournament have been influenced by the newly-laid rules of the auction process.
ALSO READ
CA blocks Johnson’s guest speaking gigs post column
David Warner can play another year in Test cricket, feels Ian Healy
Mitchell Johnson still stands by his views despite Warner smashing 164 vs PAK
David Warner breaks the silence on Johnson's criticism
David Warner opens up on his criticism regarding Test retirement
"We want to protect him from the wear and tear. The decision was made easier because of our concern over the auction process," Halvorsen was quoted as saying in the Daily Telegraph.
"He might have been able to play half the tournament but at this stage we feel the break will be better for him," he said.
As per the rules, a player is unable to choose the team he wants to play for or negotiate the size of his contract.
