I did not retire early for ICL moolah: Russell Arnold

Former Sri Lanka batsman Russel Arnold admitted he found the offer to join the Indian Cricket League too tempting to resist but asserted the ICL moolah did not prompt him to drop early curtains on his career.

The Sydney-based player, a veteran of 44 Tests and 180 ODIs, quit international cricketer after the World Cup last year and joined the ICL. But the retirement was not rushed because of the haste to join ICL, he said.

"You need to look after yourself and if you can do that without harming anybody, then why not?" Arnold was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'.

"They might try (to make us look like rebels) but the IPL is the same thing. The IPL is really sanctioning the ICL. Whatever goes on at ICC level or whatever is out of my realm," said the former international.

Asked if he was getting USD 150,000 indeed as was being speculated, Arnold said, "It's much more than that.

"The ICL offered me a contract that was fantastic in all senses. I get to play cricket and earn good money. I can play in the ICL, I can play in Sydney and enjoy that and then play also in England. It's what I wanted and suits where I'm at," he said.

"ICL takes me away for 30 days and there is the chance for my family to be with me," Arnold added.