Rules for transfers in IPL

Mumbai: The month-long trading window of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for franchises to sell and buy players from other franchises commenced on Tuesday.

The first list of players of one franchise available for picking by other franchises would be known by December 28, while the second and third lists would be known on January 5 and 12, 2009 respectively, IPL sources said on Monday.

Franchises would have the opportunities during the period to trade players - either by offering to sell a player via trade or expressing an interest to acquire a player.

Prior to any trading discussions the player's consent must be obtained, as per the decision arrived at a meeting of the IPL authorities and the franchises here on December 17.

The trading window is only for players who were part of the IPL in 2008.

Negotiations between two franchises should be only with regard to the player fee payable. The other terms of the Player Contract (for example the period of the contract) may not be varied.

During the trading of players, if more than one franchise is interested in buying a player, the selling franchise will negotiate with all interested and have the right as to which

offer to accept.

Each franchise is restricted to purchasing a maximum aggregate of a total of four overseas and Team India players during the trading window. There is no limit on the number of players that a franchise can sell.

The auction of new players, who did not feature in the 2008 edition, for the IPL's second edition will be held on February 6, 2009.

IPL buzz: Teams eyeing Pietersen, Flintoff

New Delhi: IPL franchises are firming up their plans for the second auction of players which is to be held on February 6.

According to sources, if England's players do become available then the Chennai Super Kings are likely to net Andrew Flintoff.

The struggling Bangalore Royal Challengers, meanwhile, in all probability will bag England captain Kevin Pietersen.

Even though the trading window is open for already contracted players, most teams are adopting a wait and watch approach.

Newspaper reports suggested that Zaheer Khan of the Bangalore Royal Challengers and Rohit Sharma of the Deccan Chargers were to be released. Both were said to be headed for the Mumbai Indians, who wanted the players to play in their home city.

But those moves have fallen through. Zaheer has been in great bowling form of late and Rohit was the highest scorer for Hyderabad in the first season.