The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are facing a selection dilemma since many of their players are likely to prefer franchise leagues over touring Bangladesh.
According to a report by Telegraph Sport, after Alex Hales, three more players, Lahore Qalandars’ Sam Billings and Liam Dawson and Karachi Kings’ James Vince, are likely to participate in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) instead of opting for national duty.
England will face Bangladesh in three T20s and as many ODIs, with the series being played from March 1-14. However, England’s tour will clash the PSL which is slated to take place form February 13- March 19.
“Alex Hales will not be included in the squad for Bangladesh as he is set to remain at the Pakistan Super League where he has a lucrative deal. It is understood Sam Billings, Liam Dawson and James Vince will do the same,” the report stated.
“England are happy for their non-contracted players to pursue franchise opportunities with the likes of Billings, Dawson and Vince having spent plenty of time around the England setup since 2015, without being regulars in the XI.
“Players opting not to play for England has raised further questions over England’s contracting structures and, with franchises increasingly powerful, whether greater weight should be given to tour and match fees (currently around £5,000 and £2,500 for ODIs and T20Is respectively) rather than retainers.”
The report added that England’s selectors will name the squad this week for the tour of Bangladesh.
The opening ceremony of PSL 8 will be held in Multan on February 13 prior to the tournament opener between 2021 winners Multan Sultans and defending champions Lahore Qalandars; meanwhile the closing ceremony and final will be played on March 19 in Lahore, which will also host play-offs.
Lahore Qalandars will attempt to become the first side to win back-to-back titles; meanwhile Islamabad United will aim to become the most successful side by lifting the trophy thrice.
Rawalpindi will stage 11 fixtures, Karachi and Lahore will host nine matches each, whereas Multan will have five home games.