Butcher hails IPL compromise

Mark Butcher believes the England players in the IPL will boost the English game

Former England batsman Mark Butcher believes yesterday's agreement to allow players a 21-day window to feature in the Indian Premier League will improve the country's standards in limited-overs cricket.

The 36-year-old Surrey skipper feels the decision by the ECB, which has prompted members of the squad to sign central contracts, is also fair reward for players.

"It is a good decision that they have allowed them another week in that window," Butcher said.

"In terms of finances, if your competitors are earning four times as much as you for being allowed to do a job, you're not going to be happy. It doesn't matter what you are doing.

"From a development side, it's vital that we get players in that competition. I'm watching cricket being played by other nations and guys with more Twenty20 experience are playing at a totally different level.

"The more guys we can get involved in it, the better chance we have of being a really good one-day and Twenty20 side."