Sunday, January 18, 2009

Chennai Superkings in talks to rope in Fred Flintoff?


While IPL and English board (ECB) are yet to thrash out the thorny issue of the number of days English players can be available for the league. According to reports in a daily ‘Times of India’, it is learnt that all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is in talks with Chennai Superkings to play in the second season of the T20 event.

A well-placed source was quoted as saying in ‘Times of India’, “Chennai Superkings are so serious about Flintoff that they are ready to go all out in the auction next month. ‘‘As of now, it’s a level-playing field for everyone, but Chennai Superkings had a chat with Freddie during the India-England Test match. They are eager to buy him.”

However, ECB is willing to release its players for only two weeks while IPL commissioner Lalit Modi wants them for at least a month. But this uncertainty has not had an impact on the demand for three England players - Flintoff, Kevin Peitersen and Owais Shah.

Till now Chennai Superkings have not listed any of their cricketers for trading. ‘‘Their stand is quite clear. We are not going to trade anyone from our squad. But they are going to go all out for Freddie,’’ a source added.

The big question is, if England players are not available for a month, will they be listed in the auction list? Sources said that if English players don’t take part in the IPL this year, it will be tough for them to come and play in the league in 2010.

If the Indian cricket board and ECB come to a compromise which can allow England players to play atleast three weeks of IPL which is scheduled to start from April 10 to May 24. Flintoff and Peitersen can still get back home before the first Ashes Test starts on May 6

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