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'ECB were happy as long as they didn't have to pay': Jason Roy releases first statement addressing the decision to join Major League Cricket

Star England batter Jason Roy on May 25 (Thursday) released a lengthy statement addressing the reports claiming that he is quitting England cricket in order to play in the Major League Cricket (MLC).

SportsTak

• Thu • 25 May 2023

Star England batter Jason Roy on May 25 (Thursday) released a lengthy statement addressing the reports claiming that he is quitting England cricket in order to play in the Major League Cricket (MLC). Earlier on Thursday, multiple reports stated that Roy was offered a two-year contract by the Los Angeles Knight Riders to bring his talent to the US and become one of the high profile names to grace the competition.

In the statement, Roy confirmed that England remains his top priority and he will never walk away from the Three Lions.

"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," Roy said in a statement.

"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.

"I've had clear and supportive conversations with the ECB about participating in Major league Cricket. The ECB were happy with me to play in the competition as long as they didn't have to pay me for the remainder of the contractual year.

"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 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 added.

Roy is among six Englishmen on incremental deals, with a worth of around £66,000 per year. They are Dawid Malan, Matthew Potts, Roy, Topley and David Willey.

The inaugural edition of the MLC is set to kick off from July 13-30 at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas, with four of the six franchises owned by Indian Premier League (IPL) outfits, while Cricket Victoria and Cricket New South Wales have stakes in the other two.