I opted out of IPL to focus on national team: Root

Chennai: England’s Test captain Joe Root today said skipping the lucrative IPL auction for a third successive year was a “very difficult decision”, and he made the call considering the national team’s full schedule this year. On February 18, a total of 292 players will be auctioned for the IPL’s next season. “It’s a very difficult decision. I am desperate to be part of an IPL season and hopefully a few more beyond,” said Root, who played match-winning knocks of 218, 186 and 228 in the last three Tests to star in his team’s consecutive wins. “With the amount of Test cricket in particular this year, didn’t feel like it was the right time, didn’t feel like I could throw all my energy into it, which I think it deserves,” Root said. “I don’t think it would serve English cricket best with what’s to come… So, a very difficult decision. Hopefully next year, there’s more of an opportunity to potentially be a part of the IPL, or at least be in the auction.” PTI