Dimi not done with England

All-rounder hoping to return to Royals if they reach semi-finals

Last updated: 16th May 2008

Dimitri Mascarenhas Hampshire thumbs up

Mascarenhas: Big fan of the IPL

For me it (the IPL) was just an opportunity. I wanted to do it, so I took it. It was great fun, I had a great time, the cricket was really good as well

Dimitri Mascarenhas
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Hampshire captain Dimitri Mascarenhas is confident that his spell in the Indian Premier League has not damaged his England career.

The all-rounder is the only Englishman to have competed in the Twenty20 event having enjoyed a short stint with the Rajasthan Royals.

Now back in action leading his county, the 30-year-old has no regrets about travelling to India despite the fact he only ended up playing one game.

He has been given assurances that his sole appearance has not hampered his international hopes, with the player still keen to be part of the one-day squad.

Prospects

"I suppose I am a little bit concerned," he admitted. "But as long as I just keep performing here and doing as well as I can, then I hope they (England) will pick me again.

"I don't think that having played for the IPL will affect my England prospects.

"Speaking to (coach) Peter Moores and (national selector) Geoff Miller about it, they were fairly positive.

"Obviously they have given me no guarantees, but I feel fairly positive about it - because it is ICC sanctioned.

"Hampshire have allowed me to go, so in that respect there was no problem with it."

While Mascarenhas has enjoyed his IPL experience, others have turned down lucrative offers to remain with their counties.

Rising stars Ravi Bopara and Luke Wright have both turned down chances to participate to keep concentrating on their England ambitions.

Opportunity

However, Mascarenhas believes he will not remain the only Englishman involved for too long and admits that he is hoping to return to the Royals if they manage to reach the semi-finals.

"We have seen Ravi Bopara and Luke Wright say no to it," he added. "They are probably thinking that it might affect their England chances - that is fair enough.

"For me it was just an opportunity. I wanted to do it, so I took it. It was great fun, I had a great time, the cricket was really good as well.

"It was intense, like playing internationals."