Anderson and Broad opt out of IPL

James Anderson and Stuart Broad have decided to concentrate on their England commitments in what will be a busy 2010

England fast bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson have decided not to take part in next year’s Indian Premier League.

The seam duo could have expected to attract lucrative offers from IPL franchises ahead of next year’s third edition of the Twenty20 competition, which runs from March 12 to April 25, but have instead opted to focus their energies on their international careers.

England face a busy 2010, beginning with the climax of the Test series in South Africa and continuing with a tour of Bangladesh in February and March.

The third edition of the ICC World Twenty20 takes place in the West Indies in the first half of May before England host Bangladesh, Australia, and Pakistan next summer.

Anderson and Broad are determined to be involved in England’s Ashes defence Down Under, which gets under way in November.

Anderson said: “I am proud to be playing cricket for England and my international career is more important than anything, which is why I have decided not to compete in the IPL in 2010.

“Taking on Australia next winter is going to be a huge challenge and one that I am fully committed to. I want to be an integral part of the first England cricket team to retain the Ashes since 1972 and I will be giving myself the best possible chance of achieving that by not playing in the IPL.

“The England cricket team has a busy schedule in 2010 and I’d like to be playing for England as much as possible.”

Broad added: “Whilst the chance to play in the IPL is potentially a great opportunity, my number one priority is, and always will be, to represent my country.

“The IPL is a tournament I would like to play in at some stage in the future but my international career is my sole focus at this stage in my career, so I have decided I will not be competing in next year’s IPL.

“I am living my boyhood dream to be playing cricket for England, and the possibility of being selected to travel to Australia next year with the aim of retaining the Ashes would be a great honour.

“There’s a brilliant atmosphere and team spirit within the England dressing room, and I want to be an important member of a winning England team over the next few years.

“And from a personal point of view, the last time England won the Ashes in Australia was in 1987 when my father was playing so it would be fantastic to mirror his achievement next year, which is why I shall be focusing 100% on cementing my place in the England team.”

Craig Sackfield from Centric Sports, the management agency for Broad and Anderson, said: “For their own individual reasons Stuart Broad and James Anderson have decided not play in the IPL in 2010.

“This is great news for English cricket and is demonstration of their 100 per cent commitment to the England cricket team.”