Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan has raised questions over ECB's handling of fast bowler Jofra Archer's availability, expressing that centrally contracted players should not prioritise franchise cricket over Test duty, with England gearing up to host New Zealand to kick off their home summer.
England have already named their squad for the opening Test against New Zealand, with Jofra Archer being left out of the squad. Meanwhile, questioning Archer's prolonged availability in the IPL, Vaughan suggested that ECB might have had a deal with BCCI to allow their players to remain available in the IPL for the entire season.
“I’m sure he’ll be in the squad (for the second Test). It comes midway through June. I think we have a problem in English cricket at the moment because Jofra was obviously staying for the full IPL. There’s some contract that the ECB have done with the BCCI that’s allowing all our players to stay for the duration,” Vaughan said on Cricbuzz.
Vaughan further questioned the significance of central contracts.
"If that’s the case, I have a problem with England’s contracts because Jofra has been looked after by them for a few years now on a very handsome contract. So who holds the key to that? I believe the international contract outweighs any franchise,” Vaughan said.
Vaughan said he is not against franchise cricket but cautioned that the longest format may struggle to survive if players give preference to domestic leagues.
"Look, all these franchise leagues are fantastic. I love them for the players. But I do feel that if we start to put domestic leagues over and above a Test match, I think there’s a real problem now."
Vaughan pointed out the scheduling that puts players in a difficult position.
"If there is an agreement that the ECB have done with the BCCI, well, I think you’ve got to start your Test summer somewhere a little bit later then," he added.