Only a matter of time before players put IPL before England, says Mahmood
Sajid Mahmood believes it is only a matter of time before England players put the Indian Premier League ahead of representing their country.England and Wales Cricket Board chief Giles Clarke has said those playing in the IPL will not be picked by England.
"A lot of people on the circuit are saying the IPL is the way forward," Mahmood said. "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."
The Lancashire bowler says that he has had offers from two IPL franchises, so far, he had rejected their overtures as he still has ambitions to play more for England.
"That's the reason why I got into cricket in the first place and the desire is still burning brightly.
I'm only 26, I've got a lot of years ahead of me in the game, and it would be great to spend those years representing my country and taking wickets ... [but] if things don't work out, the IPL is a massive draw.
There's 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 start having a chat and see about looking at my options."
Mahmood's comments come a day after Ravi Bopari said that he had turned down IPL offers.
"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," Mahmood told the BBC. "It's only three or four weeks out of the season."
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