Putting an end to all speculation, England's star opener Jason Roy took to Twitter to issue an official statement amid reports of him leaving England to take part in the inaugural season of America's professional cricket competition - Major League Cricket (MLC), later this year. Roy, who holds an incremental deal with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), confirmed he plans to terminate his contract in order to play in the league, asserting that his participation in the tournament won't come in way of his national duty as MLC matches don't overlap with England cricket team's schedule. The white-ball format England star said he will be available for ODI World Cup 2023 in India.
Check below Jason Roy's tweet...
While some England players have signed a full central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), there are a few players like Jason Roy who have an incremental deal with the board. Those with a full contract, most likely, won't be able to feature in Major League Cricket (MLC) this year as ECB won't give them the No-Objection Certificates (NOCs). However, Roy, who is on an incremental deal, plans to terminate it to take up a lucrative offer, participate in MLC.
As per ESPNCricinfo, ECB, in a statement, said: "England men's white-ball batter Jason Roy has informed the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that he wishes to take up an agreement with Major League Cricket in the USA later this summer. The ECB have agreed for him to play in the competition on the proviso that he gives up the remainder of his ECB incremental contract, which both parties have agreed to.
"The ECB wish to clarify that this decision will not affect Jason's selection for England teams going forward. We have absolute confidence and faith that Jason is committed to England cricket."
The report further revealed that players on incremental contracts with ECB are paid around GBP 66,000 per year and act as a 'top-up to County salaries'. Roy's teammate Reece Topley is reportedly considering making the same move. MLC is slated to be held from July 13-30 this year at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas.