Flower says Anderson, Swann snub by IPL priceless for England
By ANISunday, January 9, 2011
SYDNEY - England coach Andy Flower has said the snubbing by the Indian Premier League (IPL) of fast bowler James Anderson and off-spinner Graeme Swann is a good news for him.
Anderson and Swann were unsold in the first round of IPL auction held in Bangalore on Saturday.
“The risk of injury and shortening their lifespan is there, if you like. The IPL is dangerous for that,” the Daily Express quoted Flower, as saying.
“We talk to the players about it all the time. It’s their responsibility, along with their teams out there, to make sure they are looked after. They have to keep themselves in good order,” he added.
Stuart Broad, who is currently recovering from an abdominal tear suffered during the second Test in Adelaide, was bought by Kings XI Punjab on a two-year contract worth 500,000 pounds, while Kevin Pietersen was signed by Deccan Chargers at 900,000 dollars.
However, both players will have to leave their IPL teams by mid-May to prepare for the home Test series against Sri Lanka and India.
The tournament will be held from April 8 to May 22. (ANI)
