Jason Roy ends ECB contract to play in ‘United States Major League Cricket’

English white-ball cricketers are negotiating releases from their ECB contracts to play in Major League Cricket’s (MLC) first season in the United States.

Jason Roy, who has an incremental deal with the ECB, has declared his intention to break his contract to play in the league, even though players on full central contracts are unlikely to compete in the MLC this year.

In a statement, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) commended Roy on his choice. On the condition that he forgoes the remaining terms of his ECB incremental contract, they have consented to let him participate in the MLC.

The ECB expressed confidence in Roy’s dedication to England cricket by making it clear that this choice will not have an impact on his future selection for England teams.

Although the ECB is unlikely to give contractual players No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for MLC, it would be financially advantageous for players on incremental contracts to take advantage of this chance.

Incremental contracts, which supplement county salaries, are worth about £66,000 annually. Six players, including Roy, have similar contracts in place for the 2022–2023 seasons.

Marcus Stoinis, Quinton de Kock, Wanindu Hasaranga, Anrich Nortje, and Glenn Phillips are just a few of the notable T20 players that have already signed with MLC as foreign players.

In the meantime, MCL has also contacted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the inclusion of players from the national squad in the competition.

According to reports, PCB has asked for a fee of USD 25,000 if a national player is chosen in the MLC draught. Once the obligation has been met, a decision will be made about Pakistani players’ participation in the league.