Mark Wood has elaborated on his decision to sign-up for the ILT20 League, which clashes with the first three Test matches of England’s tour of India in early 2024, saying: “there are more things in play than just solely my love of playing for England.”

In an interview with The Telegraph, the 33-year-old fast-bowler opened up on whether he would prioritise franchise T20 cricket over playing for England. Wood has signed for Dubai Capitals, with the second edition of the ILT20 set to take place from January 18 to February 18 2024. England’s first Test of five in India will start on January 25, with their second and third scheduled for before the end of the ILT20.

Wood’s introduction into the Ashes series this summer at Headingley was a turning point for England. The express pace he brings to the side could be highly important in their quest for a historic series-win in India. But, if he turns down a central contract from the ECB, Wood would be free to prioritise the franchise options available to him over Test cricket.

“What I would say is I have always loved playing for England,” Wood told The Telegraph. “That has always been my priority throughout the years. I know they have looked after me with injuries and things like that, but time away from home, the financial side of things now, there are more things in play than just solely my love of playing for England. Injuries, how many miles I have got on my clock? That is a decision I will make once I have spoken to Rob Key. We will go from there.”

Wood has a long injury record behind him in his career, and is not expected to be able to play all five Test matches in India regardless. His deal with Dubai Capitals is reportedly worth about £500,000. Turning down the offer of a central contract could bring a more financially rewarding end to the 33-year-old’s career.

“Players from other countries have done that [turned down central contracts],” said Wood. “It is not on my radar at the minute. At the minute the World Cup is a massive focus, the other thing is my agent and Rob Key knows where I stand. I love playing for England, I want to play for England as long as I can, but it just depends on what they say, what they want me to do and how they view the structure going forwards.

“There have been times when I have turned things down to play for England and that is the way I feel it should be but, like I said, me being a three-format player for England, I have spent a lot of time on tours away from home, now with a young family it is a tough decision, but one I will have to work out in the next month or so.”

Wood will be part of England’s 2023 World Cup squad as they set out retain the title in India next month. He was also part of the T20 World Cup winning squad last year. Following the series in India; Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Australia will all play series’ in England next summer.

If Wood does turn down his central contract to pursue greater freedom over the franchise leagues he plays in, he would be the most high-profile England cricketer to do so.

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