Buzzin Cricket

stuart broad

England fast bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson have snubbed the lure of the Indian Premier League and it’s riches to concentrate on their respective England Test match careers, and the upcoming back to back series against Bangladesh and Pakistan in 2010.

23 year old Broad and Anderson 27, were widely expected to cash in on their Ashes win this year by playing in next seasons Indian Premier League, but good news for England is that the pair will instead focus their energies on their international careers.

Both players have suggested that they would be interested in joining the IPL, should the opportunity arise in the future. Broad said;

“It was a hard decision – the IPL is a hugely exciting prospect and it’s something I would love to play in at some stage, especially leading up to the 2010 World Twenty20. I have four Tests in South Africa that will be hard work. At 23, I should give my body a break whenever I can. A three-week break after a hard winter’s touring will be better used resting my body.”

Broad also revealed that his agent had spoken to a few IPL teams and says that there is definitely plenty of money around, but he will be sticking by his decision for now.

Anderson also has concerns over keeping his body fit and is already looking ahead to the Ashes series in Australia next winter, he said;

“I am proud to be playing cricket for England and my international career is more important than anything which is why I have decided not to compete in the IPL in 2010. Taking on Australia next winter is going to be a huge challenge and one that I am fully committed to. I want to be an integral part of the first England cricket team to retain the Ashes since 1972 and I will be giving myself the best possible chance of achieving that by not playing in the IPL.”

England all rounder Andrew Flintoff picked up his knee injury while playing in the IPL last year and Kevin Pietersen is believed to have aggravated his Achilles problem while training with Bangalore Royal Challengers, a claim that the player has vehemently denied.