Mark Wood "comfortable" with decision to opt out of IPL auction

Wood’s name was initially on the list of players available to franchises at Thursday’s auction, having entered himself at the highest base price. However, after discussions with family members and his agent, he opted to withdraw ahead of time

Mark Wood has insisted he was “comfortable” with his decision earlier this week to withdraw from the Indian Premier League auction, citing a desire to spend time with his family and a focus on remaining fit for a busy winter with England.

Wood’s name was initially on the list of players available to franchises at Thursday’s auction, having entered himself at the highest base price. However, after discussions with family members and his agent, he opted to withdraw ahead of time, conscious of not wanting to let a team down by being signed up and then pulling out.

Moeen Ali, Tom Curran, Sam Billings, Dawid Malan and Liam Livingstone all earned contracts at the auction, joining Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan and Eoin Morgan in this year’s competition.

“Obviously, there have been some big names going for some big money,” said Wood. “I would never begrudge that – I think that’s great for them, it’s life-changing money. That’s why it was such a difficult decision for me.

“The plus side is you’re not just going for money reasons – you will improve going into the World T20 and learn some skills. Plus, I feel I’ve got a little bit of unfinished business with the IPL.”

Wood has only played one IPL game so far in his career, representing Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and conceding 49 runs in four overs.

Speaking after returning to India for the third and fourth Tests following the end of his rest period, he added that current circumstances had informed his call, with the thought of spending 14 weeks away from his family an important factor in his decision to opt out, especially with a T20 World Cup and Ashes series coming up at the end of a packed summer schedule.

“We’re in a strange situation with Covid and unfortunately you can’t see your families during that winter period, coming out with England like they usually do,” he said.

“I just wanted to be able to switch off, go back home and recharge for the second reason which, of course, is being ready for England.

“I’m trying to prioritise that and I think later on in the year when we’ve got loads of cricket going on, I don’t want my body to fail me or be a bit bruised mentally or physically going into the back end of the year when it’s the World Cup and Ashes, or in the summer when it’s a big series against India at home.

“I wanted to make sure I was ready from that point of view, and that I could have some family time as well because it is a long time away from home.

“Although it’s life-changing money and an opportunity with the [T20] World Cup going on, I’m comfortable with my decision and in the long-run I hope that it serves me well.”

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