Ponting warns of IPL exodus

Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has warned that players will find it difficult to ignore the lure of the cash rich Indian Premier League (IPL), adding that cricket boards should anticipate a possible exodus.

Melbourne, Feb.15 : Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has warned that players will find it difficult to ignore the lure of the cash rich Indian Premier League (IPL), adding that cricket boards should anticipate a possible exodus.

Ponting's warning came even as Cricket Australia stepped up its opposition to the rebel Indian Cricket League, effectively banning any player who signs with the breakaway group.

"If there are guys approaching the end of their international careers anyway, the thought of being able to play 44 days of cricket and maybe still have the chance to play just one form of the game I'm sure is really attractive for them," Ponting said.

"I really cherish every opportunity I get to play for Australia, but there are some programming issues which the ICC and the home boards have to look at as far as maybe carving out a window each year where this (IPL) tournament can sit. Otherwise there will be guys making the decision of whether they're playing both forms of the game for their country, or have a bigger break each year and play 44 days of Twenty20 cricket and probably make more money than they are making internationally," Fox Sports quoted him, as saying.

The first still-to-be-finalised IPL competition is due to begin on April 18, but Australian players will be unable to take part unless, as expected, the Pakistan tour scheduled for March and April is cancelled and not played at a neutral venue.

There are fears the Board of Control for Cricket in India could create more headaches for Australia if the dates are moved forward in future and encroach into the domestic season.

With Australia players promised base payments of up to $300,000, which could be doubled at a player auction scheduled for next Wednesday, there is an enormous incentive for them to play in the IPL.

Ponting was amused to hear that he and Andrew Symonds were two of the most sought-after players by the eight IPL franchises given they have been the chief combatants in the race rows this season.

"That amazes me after the last couple of weeks. "I thought our prices would have gone right down. We'll wait and see what happens with it all," Ponting said with a broad smile.

ANI