Anderson and Broad put England before IPL

The England fast-bowling pair of Stuart Broad and James Anderson have decided not to participate in next year's IPL. England have a busy year ahead, culminating with the defence of the Ashes in Australia at the end of 2010, and the two have put their national commitments ahead of the money up for offer in the lucrative Twenty20 tournament, which will be hosted in India.

In a statement released by the pair's management agency, Broad - who had declined to make himself available for the 2009 edition, stressed on the priority of staying fit to represent his country. "Whilst the chance to play in the IPL is potentially a great opportunity, my number one priority is, and always will be, to represent my country,'' he said. "The IPL is a tournament I would like to play in at some stage in the future but my international career is my sole focus at this stage in my career."

Broad termed his international career as fulfilment of a "boyhood dream" and that the chance to tour Australia and retain the Ashes would be a "great honour". "There's a brilliant atmosphere and team spirit within the England dressing room, and I want to be an important member of a winning England team over the next few years," he said.

"It takes a lot of thinking and a lot of talking to family and friends," he added about making the decision. "It's just how your body feels. We have four important Tests coming up in the next five weeks and then a tour of Bangladesh. It's a decision I've taken to make sure I'm physically and mentally right to play for England and I'm happy with that."

Anderson's reason for rejecting the IPL cash was similar to Broad's. "I am proud to be playing cricket for England and my international career is more important than anything which is why I have decided not to compete in the IPL in 2010,'' he said. "Taking on Australia next winter is going to be a huge challenge and one that I am fully committed to.

"I will be giving myself the best possible chance of achieving that by not playing in the IPL. The England team has a busy schedule in 2010 and I'd like to be playing for England as much as possible.''

Both Anderson and Broad have been suggested as likely candidates to be rested from England's tour of Bangladesh in February and March, but Broad is happy to leave that call to others. "You want to play as much cricket as you can for England," he said. "You have a certain number of years and you want play every game possible. Whether England decide to rest a few players that's not in our hands, the players are keen to go and test their skills around the world."