‘Better off having a seat at the table than being left behind’ – Reece Topley on multiple franchise deals round the year

Reece Topley. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

England’s left-arm seamer Reece Topley is on the mend following a string of ailments, including a twisted ankle that forced him to miss England’s winning T20 World Cup campaign in 2022 He believes that more the global leagues like the Major League Cricket (MLC) exist, the better it is for the global game.

According to Topley, MLC has opened up a career path that will most likely outlast one’s international career. The 29-year-old also stated he will not say that it is more essential than playing for England. He also spoke about year-bound contracts, stating that having a seat at the table is preferable to being left behind.

“If you don’t go to the MLC, it’s almost like you’re turning down another career path that probably outlives your international career. I don’t mean that it’s more important than playing for England. But all-year contracts will come into the game. And I think that you’re almost better off having a seat at the table than being left behind, because it’s going to happen. And I think you need to almost embrace the change.”

“We’ve crossed that bridge now. The players’ feet will do the talking with what they prioritise themselves. I mean, the fees are no secret. I suppose you can find out how much someone’s willing to sell their soul for,” Topley said at the launch of KP Snacks’ community cricket pitches initiative.

He went on to say that MLC appears to be a good setup with a lot of investment.

“It looks a really good setup, to be honest. Obviously there’s been huge investment, which is nice to see. It’s come to fruition almost from being a seed in someone’s brain, and to judge by the people that have watched it, it looks a really good product. Personally, I think the more tournaments there are in countries, the better,” the 29-year-old added.

The inaugural edition of the Major League Cricket saw a total of six teams competing. The tournament final was played at the Grand Prairie Stadium between Seattle Orcas and MI New York, with the Nicholas Pooran-led team winning by seven wickets. Pooran was the standout performer in the summit clash, scoring an unbeaten 137 runs to help his team win the inaugural season title.