Jofra Archer is already a known figure in Twenty20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he will feature for the first time after being bought by Rajasthan Royals in the auction for Rs. 7.20 crore.
The Barbados-born fast bowler, already a sensation, is yet to play international cricket. He has to wait at least till 2022 for that chance. The reason - a raw deal from his native cricket board forced him to pursue his cricketing career in England.
“I was angry with the West Indies, so that helped me with my decision to come and try to play for England,” Archer was quoted as saying to thetimes.co.uk .
Read: Is Jofra Archer worth the big bucks?
Despite Archer's father being British, he is not eligible to play for England until 2022. This is because of ECB's new rules, where he is needed to complete seven-years of residency period. He is currently seen in action at the Pakistan Super League, playing for Quetta Gladiators. But it was his recent stint with the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League that got him recognition as a talented cricketer. In the county circuit too, Archer has done well by bagging 61 championship wickets last season, playing for Sussex.
With the money trickling in from different leagues, he doesn't mind the wait for a taste of international cricket. “I can play in the T20 competitions and in county cricket until the time comes,” Archer says.
‘Easy decision’
So what triggered Archer making the decision of moving to England, despite doing so well in Barbados age-group cricket? He lost faith in West Indies cricket after not being picked by the selectors for the 2014 U-19 World Cup. Archer says: “I wasn’t selected, so I had to think about what to do next. Once I knew it was an option, it was an easy decision to move to England.”
The 22-year-old is clear that if at all he is to have an international career, it will be for England and not for the West Indies.
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