ENGLAND’S JASON ROY MAY NOT RETURN FOR GUJARAT LIONS

Gujarat Lions’ English recruit Jason Roy is contemplating leaving the IPL 10 midway to join Surrey for the Royal London Cup to get some much-needed match time before the ICC Champions Trophy.

Roy has not been able to find a regular spot in the Gujarat Lions playing XI with just three appearances so far in which he has scored 59 runs.

Roy, the South Africa-born England limited-overs opener, has hinted that he may not return for the final leg of the IPL after joining the England team for a short ODI series against Ireland in May.

The ICC Champions Trophy starts in England on June 1.

CONSULTING STRAUSS

“I’m discussing with Andrew Strauss (director, England cricket), whether to come back out here to the Indian Premier League or to get cracking with Surrey in the Royal London,” Roy was quoted as saying in the British media.

“I think it is probably a good idea to get my head round 50-over cricket as much as possible, especially if I’m not really playing a huge amount out here in India, it is just a bit of a waste really.

“I’m due to come back for the Ireland game and then after that I could have three games for Surrey before the South Africa series so that would be great preparation I think,” he added.

NO PLAYING TIME

Roy rued lack of opportunities in the Gujarat Lions. “I’m in good form, but there is not much I can do about selection,” said Roy.

“I’m training as hard as I can and I’m taking the positives out it by getting ready for the English season.

“I’m definitely making the most of it and doing things that will benefit me not just now but over the next couple of months with the Champions Trophy coming up.”

Roy’s situation is not unique in IPL Kane Williamson (SRH)

FRESH CONTROVERSY

A fresh controversy erupted in Pakistan cricket after Younis apparently told a website in an interview that if required he can take back his retirement decision for the sake of the national team.

But on Sunday, the senior batsman was clearly not pleased with the criticism directed at him for apparently having second thoughts on his retirement.

“I have retired by my own wishes, with honour, in the right manner and according to a