By IANS
New Delhi : Have all Indian cricketers now playing in Australia signed for the Indian Premier League (IPL)? A day before the players are auctioned in Mumbai, this question remained just that – a question – as a top IPL official was not too forthcoming on the issue.
IPL CEO Sundar Raman, here for the unveiling for the IPL Delhi Daredevils and its logo Tuesday, said that they are expected to sign by Tuesday night, barely hours before players are auctioned in Mumbai Wednesday.
“India is playing a match in Australia and it will not be proper to disturb them today,” said Raman at the Ferozeshah Kotla Stadium.
“Players are signing, and there will be developments tonight in Australia,” he said.
Even as he was talking with the media here, the Australian cricket board announced in Australia that 12 players, including three retired cricketers, have signed for the IPL beginning April 18.
It is gathered that if some Indian players have signed so far it could be because of contractual issues then anything else. That they are constantly playing in Commonwealth Bank Triangular Series could be another reason for the delay in signing the contract.
Based on Twenty20 format, the first edition of IPL will have 59 matches in 44 days.
Eight franchise holders will bid for Indian as well as overseas players at the auction.