London: England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke has expressed concern over Andrew Flintoff's participation in Indian Premier League, fearing the all-rounder could aggravate his injury ahead of the Ashes by playing in the lucrative Twenty20 tournament.

Flintoff injured his hip during the third Test against the West Indies in the Caribbean which has ruled him out of the fourth match.

Clarke said he is not in favour of Flintoff travelling to India for the IPL second season since the Twenty20 tournament will be held just before the Ashes and any injury to the all-rounder could seriously jeopardise England's chances.

"I am deeply worried about Andrew going to India. That point has been made to Hugh (Morris, ECB's managing director). It is a definite risk. The injury he's currently suffering from may not be sufficiently mended for him to go anyway."

Clarke hoped Flintoff is aware of what's expected of him and won't jeopardise his fitness ahead of the Ashes series.

"Andrew is a serious patriot and a guy who absolutely, I am totally convinced, wishes to replay his role of 2005 Ashes hero," Clarke said.

"He wants to be fit to stand in the middle of pitch with his hands held high as yet another Australian is dismissed by him. I am quite sure Flintoff will be looking after himself with the greatest care. Andrew is no fool and I am sure he will do the right thing for him and for English cricket," he was quoted as saying by 'Daily Mail'.