Sidebottom: England stars keen on windfall

The England and Wales Cricket Board are currently in discussions with American billionaire Allen Stanford, who bankrolls West Indian Twenty20 cricket, over the possibility of such a lucrative challenge event which would see England play Stanford's all-star side.

Sidebottom said: "The money that is being talked about - make no bones about it - is great. It is futures for families, will pay mortgages. Why not?"

The ECB have feared losing players to the Indian Premier League, which launched its inaugural competition last week and features some of the world's biggest names.

Initially they stated centrally-contracted players would not be featuring but have recently loosened their stance to suggest they could be released if international schedules allow.

That may be enough to appease some players - such as star batsman Kevin Pietersen who described the ECB's position as "ridiculous" - and avoid any future stand-off.

Sidebottom insists he would never jeopardise his international career to play in an event such as the IPL but he hopes space can be found in the calendar for it, as he would love the opportunity to participate.

"I watched the first game," said Sidebottom, speaking at the opening of the npower 'Urban Cricket' facility at Sheffield's Abbeyfield Park. "I think everyone was intrigued to see how it would go.

"It is a great competition and you've got the world's best players playing so I don't see why anyone shouldn't watch it.

"I would love to play in it, I am sure everyone else would, but there is nothing we can do about it."