iHl Cricket

English counties who lose centrally contracted players to the Indian Premier League (IPL) next year will seek compensation, which may have to come from the pockets of the players themselves.

The two teams likely to be affected are Hampshire and Lancashire with Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff both believed to be very close to signing IPL contracts. Pietersen plays his domestic cricket for Hampshire --although he has made just 10 appearances in the last three seasons — and Flintoff has been with Lancashire throughout his career. While neither county appears likely to stand in the way of the players taking IPL deals, they want some compensation for letting them go.

"Some people think that because a player has a central contract the county doesn't have anything to do with him any more," Hampshire chair-

man Rod Bransgrove told the Guardian. "The England management might like to think that that is the case. But it'snot.

"England are entitled to play Kevin and they are entitled to rest him. But they can't permit him to play for another team in the course of the domestic cricket season. Any centrally contracted player must have permission from his county if he intends to play in the IPL. And in Kevin's case that's Hampshire.

"I'm prepared to negotiate but if any team wants Kevin to play for them in the course of the county season the franchise concerned would have to reach an agreement with us."

The problem this creates is that IPL franchises don't factor in any compensation requirements when they bid for a player. It is an issue unique to English counties because it is the only domestic season running parallel with the IPL.

Pietersen has reportedly received a 1.7 million dollars offered to play, but may have to pay Hampshire from his

contract. Even though Pietersen is a centrally contracted player that only allows the ECB jurisdiction over England and county duty, not whether he can play for another team.

The participation of England's centrally contracted players in the IPL has led to lengthy negotiations between the players, board and Professional Cricketers' Association. Contracts have yet to be signed as the final details, especially relating to players being released, are ironed out.

Jim Cumbes, the chief executive at Lancashire, hopes compensation will come from the franchise rather than Flintoff. "The last thing we want to do is stop Freddie making money in the IPL. Good luck to him. But we will be seeking compensation if he does play. The county season will be under way by then.

"No figure has been mentioned. It might be 10 per cent of his contract. And we would prefer it to come from the franchise, rather than the player's pocket."