As I said a few months ago this would happen sooner rather than later.

I have sympathy for England but more so for the counties that develop players and now seemingly lose them at the peak of their powers. If any county is negotiating contracts surely a future earnings clause needs to be activated to compensate 🤔

Would love to hear your thoughts if you're a cricket fan.

We live in a time where one must look after themselves and their families financially. To say that counties or states develop these guys and the players aren't paying them back when they are at the peak of their powers. These are the same counties or states that cut guys on a whim. 2023 is the time of multiple formats and guys need to be comfortable with the format they choose. The game is nearly becoming like tennis or golf in that more players have their own coaches than team coached (certainly in terms of technique and playing style) whereas team coaches look more at team tactics.
If countries, counties, states or provinces want to wrap these guys up, they need to become financially competitive with the T20 leagues around the world. All sport at the top level is part of the entertainment business and as such players need to be compensated financially to reflect that. Surely if a player is offered better working conditions and better money with one organisation he or she has every right to choose that. I know we all certainly do that in the 'normal' working world.

The dilemma here is complicated with many different factors especially those around money versus the sport. In the last 30 years we’ve basically developed a new format (T20) and whilst this has brought some benefits and new ways of playing to the old format (red ball), it has also taken from it because it has compromised some of the staple skills required to be top drawer at longer formats: patience, shot selection/ bowling accuracy and subtlety…. Etc.. etc..
Depending on your view, it has either made red ball cricket better or worse.
Only the absolute best test batsman can switch formats effectively (Root, Smith etc..) not many test bowlers have.
Roy is a poor example because he’s in the twighlight of his career. At 32 he’s past his best so taking the dosh in a lucrative, no consequence format is absolutely the right decision for him.
My concern is for the young guns who could become a great red ball cricketer who gets their head turned. Not many will be strong enough to say no to the pot of gold in the T20 promised land. Given a choice between the longer, tougher red ball road and the lucrative, easier road, most will choose the latter.