Jason Roy announces indefinite break from cricket, will miss start of county season

The announcement follows the 31-year-old's withdrawal from the 2022 Indian Premier League on February 28. He was due to represent new franchise Gujarat Titans

Jason Roy will miss the start of the county season after opting to take an indefinite break from cricket.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of the 31-year-old’s withdrawal from the 2022 Indian Premier League on February 28. Roy, who was due to represent new franchise Gujarat Titans, opted out of the tournament, citing bubble fatigue.

There is currently no fixed date for his return to action.

In a statement, Roy said: "After more than two years living under Covid restrictions and in a number of bubbles, I feel now is the right time to be with my wife and young children. I’d like to thank all of the Surrey coaching staff for their patience and Surrey members for their understanding.

"I will be following the team closely while I’m away from the game and working hard to be at my best when I do get back to the middle."

^{Jason Roy representing Surrey in last season's T20 Blast [Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images]}

Director of cricket, Alec Stewart, supported Roy’s decision, adding: "Everyone at Surrey is here to support Jason and full understands his decision to step away from the game for a period of time in order to be with his family.

"When he is ready to return to cricket, we will be here to help and prepare him for his upcoming challenges in the game."

Roy made just four appearances for Surrey last season, scoring 139 runs in the T20 Blast.

Instead, he's spent the bulk of the past two years in bubble environments, spending time in the IPL, PSL and Big Bash as well as participating in several overseas tours and a T20 World Cup with England.

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Jason Roy pulls out of IPL citing bubble fatigue