Jason Roy gives up England contract to sign with MLC

English opener Jason Roy has signed a contract with Major League Cricket, the newly announced T20 franchise tournament in the United States of America, which would mean that he'd give up on his England contract.

"England Men's white-ball batter Jason Roy has informed the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that he wishes to take up an agreement with Major League Cricket in the USA later this summer," the ECB said in a statement.

"The ECB have agreed for him to play in the competition on the proviso that he gives up the remainder of his ECB incremental contract, which both parties have agreed to," said the statement further.

On his part, Roy put out a statement on social media in which he said, "As a single format player with no central contract I wanted to take the opportunity to play this competition as there are currently no scheduling conflicts with England. It benefits me as and England player to play as much as competitive cricket as possible."

Roy further stated that his "priority is England cricket, especially with a World Cup soon upon us."

The ECB too in its statement expounded that belief. "The ECB wish to clarify that this decision will not affect Jason's selection for England teams going forward. We have absolute confidence and faith that Jason is committed to England cricket," it said.

Roy's contract route signals the first major England player to have taken the route towards franchise cricket, and to be contracted by private entities. Roy was picked up in the Indian Premier League by the Kolkata Knight Riders, who also have similar cricket interests in tournaments such as the MLC, the Caribbean Premier League and the SA20 around the world.