Mahmood rejects IPL approach – for now

Published on Wednesday 7 May 2008 23:33

SAJID Mahmood has become the latest England player to reveal he has rejected offers to join the Indian Premier League.

The Lancashire seamer's admission came less than a day after Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara confirmed he had turned down a lucrative six- figure deal to play in the Twenty20 competition as he feared jeopardising his future international prospects.

Mahmood, 26, has not played for his country for more than a year. He is hoping for a recall but hinted he could join the IPL if he continues to be ignored.

"A lot of people on the circuit are saying the IPL is the way forward," Mahmood told BBC Sport. "My aim is and always has been to play for England, but if you're not getting in the side, the IPL is a big carrot."

England players who decide to join the IPL risk not being picked at present.

Mahmood added: "I've had offers to join the IPL but I'm desperate to work my way back into the England side. That's the reason why I got into cricket in the first place and the desire is still burning brightly.

"However, if things don't work out in that regard, the IPL is a massive draw. There is a hell of a lot of money on offer out there and a cricketer's career is a short one. There's not much I or anyone can really do at the moment, though, with the way things are.

"My aim is by the end of this year, three-quarters into the season, to be back in the England side. If not then I can see about looking at my options."

Hampshire skipper Dimitri Mascarenhas is England's only current representative in the IPL, but established stars like Kevin Pietersen and Ryan Sidebottom have also declared their interest in participating in future.

Mahmood believes there is little reason why England's stars cannot enjoy the "best of both worlds".

"It is only three or four weeks out of the season," he said. "If players can go out there, benefit financially as well as test themselves against the top players in the world, they can come back better for it."

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