Sajid Mahmood has become the latest England player to turn down a lucrative offer to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Lancashire seamer's admission comes less than a day after Ravi Bopara, the Essex all-rounder, confirmed he had turned down a lucrative six-figure deal to play in the Twenty20 competition in a bid to cement his place in the national side.

Despite not being selected for England for more than a year, the 26-year-old remains hopeful of a recall, although he has hinted he could be tempted by the IPL if he continues to be ignored.

"A lot of people on the circuit are saying the IPL is the way forward," Mahmood said. "My aim is and always has been to play for England, but if you're not getting in the side, the IPL is a big carrot."

He added: "I've had offers to join the IPL but I'm desperate to work my way back into the England side. That's the reason why I got into cricket in the first place and the desire is still burning brightly. I'm only 26, I've got a lot of years ahead of me in the game, and it would be great to spend those years representing my country and taking wickets.

"However, if things don't work out in that regard, the IPL is a massive draw. There is a hell of a lot of money on offer out there and a cricketer's career is a short one.

"There's not much I or anyone can really do at the moment, though, with the way things are. My aim is by the end of this year, three-quarters into the season, to be back in the England side. If not then I can start having a chat and see about looking at my options."

Dimitri Mascarenhas, the Hampshire captain, is England’s only representative in the Twenty20 competition but established internationals such as Kevin Pietersen and Ryan Sidebottom have admitted their interest in participating in the future. Unlike them, Mahmood is not centrally contracted to the ECB and would be free to pursue a contract with one of the eight IPL franchises if an agreement was reached with his county Lancashire.

Although Mahmood believes does not see any reason why England's cricketers cannot enjoy the "best of both worlds".

"It is only three or four weeks out of the season," he said. "If players can go out there, benefit financially as well as test themselves against the top players in the world, they can come back better for it. It's a chance to impress on a big stage against quality players and that's something that could impress the ECB and selectors."

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