England quick Jofra Archer has reportedly been offered a multimillion-dollar, year-round contract which would give an IPL side control over whether he plays for the Poms.
The groundbreaking deal, first reported by the Daily Mail, would see the oft-injured speedster locked into the Mumbai Indians – days after he left the IPL for treatment on an elbow injury.
IPL teams, and their owners who now own franchises across other T20 leagues, are hoping to make permanent contracts more frequent so they can keep their players across their many sides – and control when they play for their countries.
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For example if Archer was to sign the deal now, Mumbai would determine whether he could feature in the Ashes.
“If the Ashes and England’s 50-over World Cup defence had not been on the horizon, Archer may have played through the pain barrier in the IPL, but for the moment he is intent on prioritising his international career,” the report stated.
“Archer has yet to hold talks with Mumbai over moving to an annual contract, a revolutionary departure IPL franchises hope to introduce to coincide with their next mega-auction in 2025.”
Archer only returned to international cricket in January after being sidelined for more than a year with elbow and back injuries.
But his right elbow has continued to trouble him and the latest setback makes him a doubt for the Ashes this summer and the 50-over World Cup later this year.
Archer, who was bought by Mumbai for $1.06 million in last year’s auction despite not being available for the whole season, played five of Mumbai’s 10 matches so far this season.
He looked off-colour when he did play, taking just two wickets, and reportedly travelled to Belgium to visit a specialist during a short IPL break.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said that Archer would return home “with immediate effect”.
“Archer has been recovering from right elbow surgery,” it said in a statement. “However, pushing through the discomfort whilst recently playing, hoping it will settle, has proven challenging.” It further added that Archer “will work on his rehab with the ECB medical department and Sussex County Cricket Club, respectively”.
The 34-year-old Jordan, who has played 87 T20 matches for England and taken 96 wickets, joins Mumbai for $243,887, according to the team’s statement.
– with AFP
