London, May 8 : England fast bowler Sajid Mahmood has rejected the chance to join the Indian Premier League.

The Lancashire seamer, 26, feared he could jeopardise his future England prospects - even though he has not played for his country for more than a year.

Mahmood hinted he could be tempted by the IPL if he continues to be ignored by selectors.

The Sun quoted him as saying that: "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, 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 to be back in the England side," he said.

ANI