(IPL Diary)

London, April 20 (IANS) England batsmen Kevin Pietersen has got a tempting offer from Rajasthan Royals to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Manoj Badale, the Britain-based entrepreneur who owns the Jaipur franchise, pledged to be at the forefront of the bidding to bring Pietersen to India as soon as possible. “As soon as he becomes available, a lot of franchises will be keen to get him, and we’ll be no different,” said Badale. “There is no reason why the top England players could not command salaries in line with the highest paid international stars.”

Pietersen, who earlier claimed it was ‘ridiculous’ that England stars are not allowed to compete in the new 20-over competition, reacted by saying: “I have had numerous phone calls and been offered a lot of money.”

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South African board welcomes IPL

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has welcomed the launch of the IPL. “CSA congratulates the organisers on launching this very exciting new jewel in cricket’s crown,” CSA chief executive officer Gerald Majola said in Durban.

“There is no doubt that the IPL is going to add a lot of value to the growth of cricket, and bring a new audience into the game just as T20 cricket has done over the past few seasons.”

South Africa has made a major contribution to this phenomenon by successfully hosting the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) first Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa recently.

Majola also said it is vital that the ICC creates a six-week window in its international schedule for the IPL so that it does not encroach on any international tour.

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Mahmood turns down Twenty20 offer

Kent’s new signing Azhar Mahmood of Pakistan has revealed he turned down an opportunity to play in a Twengty20 World Series in India to fulfil his county commitments. Mahmood’s future at Kent was hanging in the balance after his participation in the Indian Cricket League (ICL) - a competition the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had dubbed as an ‘unauthorised event’.

Mahmood, 32, had signed for Kent Nov 22. But after the county change their regulations due to the ECB’s stance on the ICL 20s World Series, Mahmood was not sure if his registration would be accepted to play in county cricket. ICL India beat ICL World in the final to win the title in Hyderabad Tuesday.