“They have such a big competition in their own backyard”

Robert Key, managing director of the England men’s cricket team, pointed out that the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a strong product because it attracts players towards them. The 43-year-old stated that England are also hoping to emulate her.

Started in 2008, the IPL has grown to be the largest cricket tournament in the world. It has also proven to be a competitive event, due to the amount of money involved and the quality of the players on each team.

Talking to ESPN CricinfoKey said:

“This is how India does it. India is able to stop their players from going and playing all over the world because they have such a big competition in their own backyard with the IPL. I don’t think there’s any reason why we shouldn’t. Do it. It’s not Simple, but that’s what we have to focus on.”

Key claimed that England’s focus yielded high salaries to the players as the nations with the best domestic preparation would win. he added:

“Imagine it: You have to play in your country. Plus you make an enormous amount of money playing in it. Plus, you’d have a four-day system and it’s all touring – and that’s where we have to try and get to. Because if You look at it any other way, we’ll end up losing. All these other countries looking at their own competition, they’re going to win.”

Ahead of England’s tour of Bangladesh this year, Jos Butler expressed his anger at some players choosing to play for the tournament over playing for his country.

“Mumbai Indians are indeed a wonderful privilege to work with” – Robert K

Keeping in view the case of Jofra Archer, Robert Key said there is a balance between the ECB and the Mumbai Indians in managing the fast bowler’s workload. He explained:

“You talk sometimes about huge amounts of money. And also the IPL, for example. That’s competitive cricket. It’s only good for the players, in a way, and we have control over when Jofra comes back to play. So it’s not a case that he’s there now and we don’t have a say.” We talk to them all the time. The Mumbai Indians are actually a great privilege to work with as well.”

Added key:

“Because they turn around and say, ‘Well, you know, right, Jofra has this problem right now, and we don’t think it’s going to be a long-term thing. ‘” But we decide when he can play again. And he has a full program going into the summer of the Ashes, too. So even outside, he’ll do his job, and be “lifting his loads.” I am happy with that. So we have a little compromise.”

Archer, who had multiple surgeries for his injured elbow, never fully recovered from the same ailment. A Barbadian has re-emerged, preventing his full participation in IPL 2023.