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.

Pietersen, Flintoff cleared to play in IPL

LANCASHIRE'S Andrew Flintoff looks almost certain to play in the Indian Premier League this year after reports suggest England players have agreed a 15-day window with the ECB to take part in the lucrative tournament.

Freddie, along with England skipper Kevin Pietersen, could cash in to the tune of around £300,000 for just over two weeks' work.

It is understood the 15-day period agreed by the ECB and the Professional Cricketers' Association means Freddie would be back to play for Lancashire against Nottinghamshire in the County Championship starting on April 29 ahead of the first Test against the West Indies on May 6.

“We think this is realistic and sensible,” Sean Morris, the PCA chief executive, said. “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.”

Flintoff and Pietersen are bound to be top of the wanted list when the auction for those not figuring in last season's inaugural event is held on February 6, while the likes of Jimmy Anderson may also attract interest. The tournament itself starts on April 10 and runs until May 29.

The ECB have been reluctant to allow the centrally contracted players to join the IPL ahead of what is a hectic summer which includes a Test series against the West Indies, the Twenty20 World Cup and the Ashes.

However, England's top stars didn't want to again miss out on the riches available, having sat out last year's tournament, and their central contracts remain unsigned while talks took place between the players and the ECB.