Published: 24/02/2010 15:46:11 | Modified: 24/02/2010 15:49:58
Author: Paul Hiscock | All Contributors
Napier waits for ECB security advice on IPL
Essex all-rounder Graham Napier is facing an anxious few days as he waits for advice from the ECB over security issues that could affect his participation in the IPL.
The 30 year-old is contracted to play for Mumbai Indians but security concerns are threatening, once again, to take the tournament away from the intended host nation.
Napier told his official website (www.grahamnapier.com): "I am still waiting on a security report to come through at the moment.
"Once I've digested that I will wait to see what the ECB recommends for its players. Obviously I hope it will be possible to play in the IPL come March, as planned."
Meanwhile, Napier has also clarified his situation with regards to competing in September's Champions League.
The Colchester-born player has already qualified for the Twenty20 competition after helping New Zealand side Central Districts win their domestic HRV Cup - and holds two further opportunities to reach the Champions League with Mumbai Indians, through the IPL, and Essex via the Friends Provident T20.
However, with the dates of the completion now set to clash with the last fortnight of the domestic season in England, Napier finds himself in something of a dilemma.
"As it stands, I am contracted to Essex, so that's where I would play my cricket [if they needed me] unless they changed their position," he insisted.
"Playing in the Champions League would be a great opportunity to play against the best domestic Twenty20 teams in the world so I hope the ECB and BCCI can come to a positive conclusion to allow the successful counties to compete, along with those English players who have qualified through other routes.
"Of course, the best-case scenario would be for Essex to qualify, and to be cleared to play in the Champions League. We have proved ourselves to be one of the best Twenty20 sides in the country, when we can call upon our full-strength line-up, so there is no reason why we can't do well in the Twenty20 tournament this summer."