Wednesday 25 January 2017 16:23, UK
Jason Roy has permission from Surrey to miss the early part of the domestic season if he is signed by an Indian Premier League franchise.
Surrey will not attempt to block Roy's wish of competing in the highly lucrative Twenty20 competition and say the batsman also has the backing of the England and Wales Cricket Board to enter next month's auction.
The IPL will run from April 5 until May 21, meaning 26-year-old Roy could miss a significant chunk of Surrey's 2017 season, though England's two one-day internationals on May 5 and 7 could bring an early end to Roy's involvement in India if he is selected.
"Jason has shown he is one of the most exciting, destructive and entertaining batsmen in world cricket," said Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart.
"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."
