‘Buttler, Curran will be part of discussion’ - Ravi Bopara reckons IPL teams will secure England players exclusively with long-term contracts

Recent reports have confirmed that Indian Premier League franchises want English players to quit international cricket and focus more on franchise-based cricket. So much so, that these franchises are ready to offer lucrative multi-year deals to the cricketers who are ready to sign the contract. Even though nothing has been made official, the reports have divided the cricketing world into two parts.

While some agreed that franchise cricket is the future of the game, many argued that it will not eliminate international cricket altogether. When asked about his opinion, former England international Ravi Bopara stated that he saw it coming as the IPL franchises are now expanding their wings, buying franchises in South Africa, the USA and the West Indies among a few other places.

“This was coming. This has been a chat in the county circuit and around cricket in general. This was always going to be happening, especially after IPL teams started acquiring teams worldwide – in the South African league and in the major league coming up in America. We have already seen them acquire teams in CPL, to recruit West Indian players coming through. That was the start,” Bopara said on BBC Test Match Special podcast.

It’s a real thing for players to think about as it's big money: Ravi Bopara

The 37-year-old also mentioned that players like Jos Buttler and Sam Curran are surely going to be part of the discussion from the IPL team owners as the two players have been performing consistently well for a long time in the cash-rich league. He also suggested that the cricketers might end up signing a franchise contract if they are towards the end of their playing days.

“I am not surprised at all by the development. I am sure Jos Butler, Sam Curran would be part of that discussion. Those two would definitely be part of the discussion, It’s a real thing for players to think about as it's big money. If they are seeing longer contracts say 3 year or 5 years, then it’s a serious issue for players to think about. If one of them is coming to an end of England career, then you are sort of thinking you have only 2-3 years left in England career, you might think this is better career for me.

“If you are someone just starting your England career, then this is a serious dilemma. As there is no guarantee that you are going to play for England for 5-10 years. If you are playing well, they might pick you but with this, you have a contract – a 4-year 5-year contract is guaranteed. That’s going to be difficult thing," he added.