“Playing in the IPL will grow his cricketing experience and knowledge”

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England opening batsman Jason Roy has received a green light from Surrey to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) if he is signed by a franchise.

Should he compete in the star-studded Twenty20 competition, Roy will miss the beginning of the county season in England.

But, Surrey have opted not to stand in his way and the county side revealed that the 26-year-old also has permission from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to enter his name in the IPL auction next month.

“Jason has shown he is one of the most exciting, destructive and entertaining batsmen in world cricket,” Surrey’s director of cricket Alec Stewart said. “Playing in the IPL will grow his cricketing experience and knowledge which can only help develop his game for both Surrey and England.

“It will mean he misses the first part of the season for us but we also want to help England and our players in achieving their ambitions.

“He has the backing and support of both Surrey and the ECB to go into the IPL auction. His absence from the team will give other players on our staff a great opportunity to play and perform in the first XI and fast track their own development.”