MI reportedly eyeing year-round contract for Jofra Archer with multi-million-pound offer

Mumbai Indians (MI) are reportedly offering a long-term contract to Jofra Archer, despite the fact that he has returned to England without completing his stint with the franchise in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) due to an elbow issue.

According to a report by Dailymail.co.uk, MI is eyeing to get his services on a year-round basis and are set to offer him a multi-million-pound contract. Under the rules of the contract, England would require MI’s permission to get the services of Archer in international cricket.

Archer may represent MI-owned franchises in all four leagues

MI owns five franchises, including one Women’s Professional League (WPL) team, in different leagues. Archer is currently part of MI-owned franchises in IPL and South African T20 league (SA20). Should he sign a year-long deal with the franchise, Archer may represent MI-owned franchises in all four leagues.

Archer hasn’t played much cricket in the past two years. He made his comeback to the game in SA20 earlier this year but has only played 11 matches since then. Archer has already returned home from his ongoing IPL stint due to an elbow issue. While Archer has recovered from his elbow problem, he is back in England for rehabilitation ahead of the Ashes series. Archer hasn’t played Test cricket since February 2021.

Archer bought by MI for Rs 8 crore in IPL 2022 mega-auction

MI bought Archer for Rs 8 crore in the IPL 2022 mega-auction. Despite knowing that Archer won’t be available for IPL 2022, the franchise spent a huge sum on the pacer. Archer only featured in five matches of IPL 2023 before returning home.

There is still no official update regarding Archer’s year-round contract with the franchise, and it remains to be seen if Archer agrees to a full-time deal with the franchise. Archer’s involvement in international cricket may be subject to MI’s permission, as per the reported contract rules.

MI’s offer is a show of faith in Archer’s abilities and a potential for him to play regularly for the franchise, provided he stays fit. Archer’s addition to the MI squad on a year-round basis will undoubtedly enhance the team’s bowling lineup and provide them with the much-needed firepower.