ECB clarifies position on India

England cricketers have been told they are free to play in the Indian Premier League, but risk being dropped from the national side.

Chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, Giles Clarke, admits England players who do not renew their central contracts could play in the IPL - but they could also jeopardise their international futures.

England's star names will not feature in the IPL later this month as it clashes with the Test series against New Zealand.

But Kevin Pietersen recently indicated that England players would want to eventually feature, and an option is not being on a central contract yet still be available for international selection.

Clarke said: "KP runs the risk, as anyone does, of losing his place or ending up getting injured. Cricket careers can come to an end as well as begin."

Clarke is aware of the financial rewards but argued that England players have contracts to honour - and losing their place in the team would offer others an opportunity.

He added: "I understand the point that a career has a certain limit, we're not stupid," he said. "Tony Greig felt it was appropriate to play in World Series Cricket - and Ian Botham appeared out of pretty much nowhere.

"There are risks and rewards here. We have a clear understanding with IPL that Future Tours Programme takes place anyway."

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