The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Pietersen, Flintoff cleared to play in IPL

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Pietersen, Flintoff cleared to play in IPL

London: The roadblock to the participation of Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff and teammates in second edition of the Indian Premier League seems to have been removed after England and Wales Cricket Board and Professional Cricketers’ Association agreed on a 15-day window for the players.

The duration agreed by the ECB and the PCA means players will be able to play in first few rounds of the IPL, starting in April, before returning for the first Test against the West Indies starting at Lord’s on May 6.

“We think this is realistic and sensible,” PCA chief executive Sean Morris was quoted as saying by The Times.

“There was some pressure to get back for a four-day game before the Test. The guys understand that and I think they are happy. I would say we are now 99 per cent there,” Morris added.

The final details involving compensation package remain to be sorted out as counties demand reimbursement for losing their players’ service during the 15-day window.

However, there was optimism that the deal could be worked out before England leaves for the West Indies on January 21.

If it does go through, then Pietersen and Flintoff could earn up to £300,000 for little more than a fortnight’s work when the IPL auction is held on February 6. — PTI

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