Pakistan is the second biggest contributor to global franchises, says ECB CEO

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) called back their players for international matches against Pakistan just before the IPL play-offs in the recent season.

This move caused frustration among the IPL teams, who had to compete without key English players during the crucial knockout stages.

ECB CEO Richard Gould, in an interview with Cricbuzz, responded by emphasizing their support for players participating in global franchise tournaments.

He highlighted that in 2023, 74 English-qualified men played in international tournaments, making England the leading contributor to global franchises.

"We are always very pleased when our players go out, around the world playing in franchise tournaments. We have a very good record. If you look at 2023, there were 74 English qualified men's players that played in tournaments around the world. That is by far and away means that we're the biggest contributor to global franchises, bar none. The second best performing nation, I think, is Pakistan on 45,” Gould said.

Gould explained that while the ECB values players’ involvement in franchise cricket, it’s crucial for top players to be available for England’s bilateral and ICC international matches, especially with multi-year central contracts in place.

"Look, we're always very keen when our players are able to pursue other opportunities. But of course, as you'll have seen, as we've gone into multi- year central contracts, it's extremely important that our top players, both men and women, are available, able and willing to play for England when we have bilateral or ICC internationals that we're competing in." The issue would have already been taken up by the BCCI with the ECB by now,” he added.