Bopara waits till IPL windfall

"All this talk of big money is new to cricket; it's new to me and it's new to all cricketers - but it's a great opportunity," said English all-rounder Ravi Bopara.

"If I said it [money] isn't important then I would be lying - because it makes a big difference to a lot of cricketers, to their future and their families. But if you're a real cricket lover and you play it because you love the game you just take all that in your stride," he added.

"It's a great opportunity to earn money, and we'll all have a smile about it. But the main thing you play for and what gives you the fire in the belly is wanting to achieve things as a cricketer and become the best player you can on any stage.To be able to play in the same team as guys you've played against around the world will be fantastic. It will be like playing in an all-star team - it will be incredible," he said.

"It's amazing money and a great opportunity for the players.”

"As far as the cricket is concerned, they will be playing with and against some of the best players in the world."

"It's a great honour to be nominated for the award. I'm in there with some great names like Owais Shah, who's had a great year for England, and you also have to look at the names from last year - with Amir Khan winning it," he said.

"It's great to be included in that sort of category. It shows what progress I'm making in my career to be mentioned in the same bracket as these sort of people," the player added.

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