England’s Stuart Broad opts out of IPL

Pacer Stuart Broad has refused to join the growing list of England cricketers seeking lucrative Indian Premier League deals as he wants to focus his energies on international assignments like the Ashes.

England's Stuart Broad opts out of IPL

"It's a good opportunity for players but it's a good opportunity for us. We've got a very important summer ahead of us with the Twenty20 and the Ashes and this is a decision Stuart has made and we must respect that," England team's managing director Hugh Morris said while revealing Broad's decision to opt out.

"The players who are going there are going to be playing with and against some of the best players in the world in what we see as a very high-profile and very important tournament. Players will prepare in different ways for this summer. Stuart has chosen one way and others have chosen another way," he was quoted as saying by 'The Guardian'.

England's eight centrally-contracted and five 'incremental' contract holders are in line for IPL riches after the BCCI and the ECB worked out an understanding which allows them to participate for at least three weeks in IPL this year and next year.

"It's very much down to the players. It's their choice. The IPL is a fantastic opportunity for players. With the Twenty20 world championship happening in England at the beginning of the summer, it's nice to have the opportunity for some our players to play Twenty20 cricket," Morris said.

Broad becomes the sixth player after Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss, Matt Prior, Tim Ambrose and Michael Vaughan to turn his back on IPL.

"Fair play to him for having the courage to stand up when everyone else is heading in the other direction," said Mick Newell, Broad's head coach at Nottinghamshire, was quoted as saying by 'The Daily Telegraph'.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels