Indian Premier League and Cricket News by IPL Cricket Forum

Australian Cricket Board decided at on Friday to organize a
training camp that will focus on preparing the players for the
three-Test series.

Players will arrive from around the world, allowing many only two
weeks in India for the lucrative rewards in the Indian Players League.

Michael Brown, in charge of organising the camp, expects to finalise the timing and length of the camp early this week.

Coach Tim Nielsen wants a maximum of six days to prepare his squad before it leaves for the Caribbean.

Nielsen is not concerned about the country’s contract holders,
including Andrew Symonds, Ricky Ponting and Brett Lee, taking part in
the Twenty20 competition as long as they return in good shape.

The six-week IPL event begins on April 18, and the team is expected to depart for the Caribbean on May 8.

If the plan goes ahead, the IPL-aligned players will be able to earn
about a third of their prices from the recent auction in India.

Symonds was bought for $1.5m, while Brett Lee ($980,000), Ricky
Ponting ($436,000), Matthew Hayden ($408,000) and Michael Hussey
($380,000) were also picked up.

Nielsen said he was looking at a five or six-day camp to fine-tune for the West Indies.

The Australians will play three Tests, a Twenty20 encounter and then three one-day internationals in the Caribbean.

The team’s first match is scheduled for May 16 before the opening test in Jamaica.

TASMANIA and South Australia have made approaches to Queensland and
Australian all-rounder James Hopes. Queensland coach Terry Oliver
confirmed the poaching threat, although it is understood Hopes will
commit to the embattled Bulls for next season.

“James Hopes has been approached, but we are very confident of James staying with us,” Oliver said.

The Bulls and South Australia are also pursuing Western Australian opening batsman Chris Rogers.

Rogers’ father John, who played Sheffield Shield for NSW, revealed
his son’s frustration at being unable to play one-day cricket for the
Warriors.

“Chris is a bit annoyed with them. They keep overlooking him for the
one-day team (and playing) guys who haven’t been consistently
performing,” he said.

“They don’t seem to be helping Chris’ international chances. They
certainly aren’t being helped when he can’t make the one-day team.” adds Herald Sun.

IPL Franchisees will have to think twice in future before bidding sky high prices for International Players.