England all-rounder David Willey revealed he had to overlook an IPL opportunity to captain Yorkshire Vikings in The Blast T20 series. Willey was not called up for England’s squad to face Australia in the white ball series. The Blast series started from the 27th of August and will end on till October 3. The final stages of the series will clash with IPL which will commence on the 19th of September in UAE.
However, Willey has stated that he will be willing to join any IPL franchise after finishing the Blast if any opportunity arises. He was more inclined to captaining the Yorkshire Vikings to The Blast and hence passed on a chance to play in the IPL 2020.
David Willey. Image Credit: Getty Images
Had to overlook an IPL opportunity to lead Yorkshire in The Blast: David Willey
The southpaw confirmed he had an offer from IPL which he passed on to be able to play with the Yorkshire Vikings in The Blast. He told the reason for being the clashing of both leagues. Willey who has previously represented CSK in the IPL is however still open to any opportunities arriving from the IPL, post finishing The Blast with Yorkshire Vikings in the first week of October.
“I had an offer. The problem is there’s a crossover with the Blast and the IPL, so I said I’m available from when the Blast finishes. I want to captain Yorkshire in the Blast and see that through, so if there’s an opportunity that comes after that (IPL), great. There may still be opportunities which I’m open to,” he told the Yorkshire Post.
David Willey (Credits: BCCI)
I’ll bite someone’s hand off to get over and play, play any of the franchise cricket really: David Willey
Willey also opened up on the possibility of playing in the Big Bash League, in Australia and added the only concern in playing there will be the time spent away from his family. His comments showed he is desperate to get opportunities to play in franchise cricket.
“Again, there’s been a bit of interest there. But the issue for me there will be family travel. I’m not willing to spend that long away from my family. If that changes, I’ll bite someone’s hand off to get over and play, play any of the franchise cricket really, but it’s just weighing everything up,” he added.
Photo Credit: BBL/CA.
The 30-year-old all-rounder is hoping to make a comeback to the England Team, after being overlooked for the series against Australia.
